Spontaneous atlantoaxial osteomyelitis: no longer a rare case? Case report.

The number of case reports concerning anterior atlantoaxial osteomyelitis has increased in the past decade. Although previously considered rare, this particular disease has become more prevalent for several reasons, including the increase in the elderly population, which is generally more susceptible to infectious problems. It is, therefore, imperative for physicians in general and neurosurgeons in particular to become aware of the existence of this problem and of the therapeutic options available.