Infections After Lumbar Spine Surgery: Avoidance and Treatment

Infection after lumbar spine surgery can be a challenging and devastating complication. Numerous risk factors have been identified, and algorithms for reducing the risk of such infections have been described. New concepts in prevention continue to evolve as lumbar spinal surgeries become more complex. Antibiotic prophylaxis, antimicrobial irrigation, placement of drains, antibiotic-loaded allograft, and gentamicin microspheres all reduce the risk of infection. However, despite these measures, postoperative infections still occur and demand clinician diligence for their detection and treatment. Treatment options include antibiotics, operative irrigation and debridement, and vacuum-assisted closure or muscle flaps for more complex wounds.