Deep spinal infection in instrumented spinal surgery: diagnostic factors and therapy

• Published in: Il Giornale di chirurgia 2017, Vol.38 (3), p.124-129
• Main Authors: Dobran, M, Marini, A, Gladi, M, Nasi, D, Colasanti, R, Benigni, R, Mancini, Francesca, Iacoangeli, M, Scerrati, M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Original; Retrospective Studies; Spinal Fusion - adverse effects; Spinal Fusion - instrumentation; Surgical Wound Infection - diagnosis; Surgical Wound Infection - etiology; Surgical Wound Infection - therapy
• ISSN: 0391-9005; 1971-145X
• DOI: 10.11138/gchir/2017.38.3.124

Postoperative surgical site infections (SSI) are complication of spinal surgery. These complications may lead to a poor outcome with neurological deficits, spinal deformity and chronic pain. The purpose of this study is to explore the statistical value of diagnostic parameters and the proper therapy. We retrospectively reviewed 550 patients who underwent spinal instrumentation at our department from January 2011 to December 2015. The SSI was present in 16 patients out of 550 operated. Diagnostic criteria of SSI were the positivity of the surgical wound swab or blood culture, the clinical findings, positivity of laboratory tests and radiological elements. All patients had peri-operative antibiotic prophylaxis. Diagnostic laboratory findings were compared with a homogeneous control group of 16 patients and analyzed by univariate statistical analysis with Chi-square test for the discrete variables. P