Wound infection after scoliosis surgery: an analysis of 15 cases.
OBJECTIVE
To discuss the causes and treatments of wound infections after scoliosis surgery.


METHODS
Nine hundred and twenty-four caes of scoliosis were reviewed, and the clinical data of 15 cases of postoperative infection were analysed retrospectively.


RESULTS
All 15 cases underwent spinal posterior fusion with autologous bone graft using instrumentations. Seven were diagnosed as early infection, and 8 were delayed infection. Radical debridement was performed in all 15 cases. The duration of antibiotics administration was 10 to 34 days with continuous closed irrigation for 2 to approximately 4 weeks and primary closure for the wounds. All patients were followed up for an average of 3.5 years (2 to 7.5 years) with good outcomes and no recurrence.


CONCLUSIONS
Wound infection following surgical correction of scoliosis primarily results from intraoperative seeding, although host-related and operation-related factors may contribute to its development. Once the infections are diagnosed, good results can be achieved by prompt surgical debridement, irrigation and reasonably administered antibiotics. Removal of hardware may be necessary in deep infections.
Li
Shugang
S
Department of Orthopedics, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, CAMS & PUMC, Beijing 100730.
Zhang
Jianguo
J
Li
Junwei
J
Lin
Jin
J
Tian
Ye
Y
Weng
Xisheng
X
Qiu
Guixing
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D003646:Debridement; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000601:surgery*; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000009:adverse effects; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000628:therapy*; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000628:therapy*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents