Pathology Encountered at the Craniocervical Junction

The pathology encountered at the foramen magnum and upper cervical spinal canal causing neural dysfunction is extensive and complex. A working classification that considers the location, congenital and acquired abnormalities, and primary and secondary neoplastic pathology has been provided. Intradural and extradural lesions have been subclassified as have neural tumors. A simplified classification of abnormalities at the craniovertebral complex that considers the bony anatomy, biomechanics, and embryology of the region is also provided.