title: Neurosurgical approaches to spinal infections.
abstract: Spinal infection is rare. Clinical suspicion is important in patients with nonmechanical neck and/or back pain to make the proper diagnosis in early disease. Before planning surgery, a thorough evaluation of the spinal stability, alignment, and deformity is necessary. Timing of surgery, side of approach, appropriate surgical technique, and spinal instruments used are crucial. Biomechanical preservation of the spinal column during and after the infection is a significant issue. Postoperative spine infection is another entity of which spinal surgeons should be aware of. Proper septic conditions with meticulous planning of surgery are essential for successful spine surgery and better outcome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Mugla Sitki Kocman University School of Medicine, Orhaniye Mahallesi, Haluk Ozsoy Caddesi, Mugla 48000, Turkey.
authors.forename: Derya Burcu
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Hazer
authors.affiliation: Malatya State Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Firat Mahallesi, Hastane Caddesi, Malatya 44330, Turkey.
authors.forename: Selim
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ayhan
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Sihhiye, Altindag, Ankara 06100, Turkey. Electronic address: palaoglu@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Selcuk
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Palaoglu
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013131:Spine / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: Decompression; Deformity; Infection; Instability; Postoperative infection; Spine; Surgery