Infection Rates in Posterior Instrumented Spinal Fusions: A Retrospective Review of Infection Control Practices and Outcomes

Background and Review of Literature: A surgical site infection after posterior instrumented spinal fusion can negatively affect the patient and increase healthcare costs. Spinal fusions are becoming increasingly common as a surgical intervention to correct a variety of spinal pathologies. Infection in this population poses a significant problem as infection can lead to additional surgeries, debility, or mortality. Purpose: A group of neurosurgeons implemented a novel protocol to prevent surgical site infection, including irrigating the wound with Clorpactin and applying vancomycin powder intrawound before closing. This investigation seeks to identify surgical site infections and compare infection control measures. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients who underwent posterior instrumented spinal fusion between August 2017 and December 2020. Data was collected from the Electronic Medical Records. The data was analyzed using statistical software. Implications/Conclusion: The results significantly reduce postoperative infections in the group exposed to the Clorpactin/vancomycin infection control protocol.

Creator

• Case, Ellen

Mitwirkende

• Fox, Tara

Language

• English

Stichwort

• vancomycin powder
• instrumented spinal fusion
• Clorpactin irrigation
• surgical site infection
• intrawound antibiotic

Date created

• 2021

Resource type

• Research Paper

Rights statement

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/