Abstract

PURPOSE: To identify factors associated with an increased risk of infection following spinal surgery. METHODS: Retrospective review of 941 records from a single-surgeon database of deformity patients treated from 2000-07. Demographic, surgical, radiographic, and peri-operative complications were assessed. Infection was classified as deep, superficial, or possible. RESULTS: 13 deep, 17 superficial infections. Approaches were anterior (n=193), posterior (n=590), or combined (n=140). Procedures included spinal fusion (n=873), growth rod distraction (n=23), revision (n=145), vertebral column resection (n=32), osteotomy (n=162). Predictors of infection were age, BMI, # of levels, Lenke types 3-4, osteotomy, # of comorbidities (p<0.001 to p<0.05). Lenke 3-4, combined approach, # of levels, and kyphosis correlated with superficial infection (p<0.001 to p<0.05). Lenke 3-4 and neuromuscular comorbidity was predictive of deep infection (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Age, BMI, # of levels, Lenke 3-4, osteotomy, and # of comorbidities were predictors of any infection. Of these, Lenke 3-4 and neuromuscular comorbidity was correlated with deep infection.