THE NUMBER OF case reports concerning anterior atlantoaxial osteomyeli
tis has increased in the past decade. Although previously considered r
are, this particular disease has become more prevalent for several rea
sons, including the increase in the elderly population, which is gener
ally more susceptible to infectious problems. It is, therefore, impera
tive for physicians in general and neurosurgeons in particular to beco
me aware of the existence of this problem and of the therapeutic optio
ns available.