Risk Factors for Infection After Spinal Fusion Surgery

Prolonged use of closed suction drains, male sex, and higher body-mass index were associated with an increased risk for infection.

Deep surgical-site infection (SSI), a devastating complication of spinal surgery, is more common with spinal fusion than with laminectomy. To identify risk factors for the development of such infections, investigators at a large urban medical center performed a retrospective case-control analysis involving patients who underwent spinal fusion surgery there in 2008. Postoperative wound infections were identified by the hospital's infection-control department.

Among 1587 patients who underwent spinal fusion procedures, 57 (3.6%) developed deep SSIs. Univariate analysis identified risk factors for infection, including male sex, an American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status score >2, emergent/urgent surgery, and staged procedures perf…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)