Risk Factors for Postoperative Spinal Wound Infections After Spinal Decompression and Fusion Surgeries

This multivariate analysis of a large prospectively collected database of patients who underwent a spinal decompression and fusion between 1997 and 2006 demonstrated the high mortality, morbidity, and hospitalization costs associated with postoperative spinal wound infections.

Abstract

Using multivariate analysis of a large prospectively collected data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, we identified the most important risk factors for increased postoperative spinal wound infection. We have demonstrated the high mortality, morbidity, and hospitalization costs associated with postoperative spinal wound infections. The information provided should help alert clinicians to presence of these risks factors and the likelihood of higher postoperative infections and morbidity in spinal surgery patients.