Risk factors and treatment for wound infections after spinal internal fixation / 局解手术学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the risk factors and treatment for infections after spinal internal fixation surgery. Methods The clinical data of 472 patients who underwent spinal internal fixation surgery from January 2012 to December 2012 was analyzed retrospectively, an average age of 50. 6 years (38~78 years). All cases were underwent posterior procedures. All infected patients received emergency opera-tion of wound debridement, drainage and sensitive antibiotic treatment. The mean follow-up time was 11 months (8~19 months). Risk fac-tors and treatment for infections were summarized and discussed. Results Of 472 patients,postoperative infections occurred in 9 cases with the infection rate of 1. 91%. The operation time,intraoperative blood and postoperative drainage was 100~325 min,200~1500 mL and 65~1350 mL,respectively,which were greater than the similar surgeries of same period. The initial signs of wound infection was observed at 10 d (6~16 d) after surgery. CRP,ESR and WBC were significantly increased in 4~7 d after surgery,and maintained at high level at least for 14 d. Bacterial culture results showed infection bacteria were mainly common skin flora. One infection recurred during followed-up and subse-quent treatment was successful. Conclusion Wound infection after internal fixation mainly occurred in the posterior procedure of spine, which were deep infection. The main clinical manifestation was the wound exudate and local deep tenderness,fever and wound surface swelling were relatively rare. Increased intraoperative bleeding,postoperative drainage volume,operation time were the risk factors,which lead to perio-perative malnutrition and subsequent infections. Debridement,drainage,and intravenously sensitive antibiotics could obtain an ideal outcome for most cases. It was not necessary to remove the internal fixation instrument and bone grafting.