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Updated: Jul 25, 2026
08:03
In Vivo Mouse Model of Spinal Implant Infection
Published on: June 23, 2020
Candida osteomyelitis and diskitis after spinal surgery: an outbreak that implicates artificial nail use.
1The Stamford Hospital, Stamford, CT, and Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, NY, USA. michael_parry@stamhosp.chime.org
Summary
A rare Candida albicans deep wound infection after laminectomy was linked to a surgical technician wearing artificial nails. Prompt treatment and policy changes prevented further cases of this surgical site infection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Site Infections
- Mycology
Background:
- Postoperative wound infections following laminectomy are infrequent.
- A cluster of three deep wound infections caused by Candida albicans occurred after laminectomy.
- No similar cases were reported in the preceding decade.
Observation:
- The infections presented as indolent, with diagnosis occurring a mean of 54 days post-operation.
- Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis confirmed the genetic identity of the Candida albicans isolates.
- A case-controlled study identified a single operating room technician as a common link to all infected patients.
Findings:
- The implicated technician wore artificial nails during the period the infections occurred.
- Candida albicans was isolated from the technician's throat.
- The technician was successfully treated with fluconazole and removed from duty, halting further infections.
Implications:
- Artificial nails can harbor and promote the growth of microorganisms like Candida albicans.
- Hospitals should implement policies prohibiting operating room personnel from wearing artificial nails.
- This finding highlights a potential, preventable source of surgical site infections.
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