Craniovertebral junction tuberculosis: a new comprehensive therapeutic strategy.

Objective: To establish a scoring system and management algorithm for patients with diagnosed craniovertebral junction tuberculosis. The specific goals were: 1) to avoid new neurological deficits; 2) to avoid morbidity and compromise in the quality of life associated with prolonged, rigid, cumbersome external immobilization, such as with a sternal occipital mandibular immobilizer brace and halo traction; and 3) to prevent sudden death.

Methods: All patients diagnosed with craniovertebral junction tuberculosis were studied prospectively over a 3-year period.