Wound infection after scoliosis surgery: an analysis of 15 cases

To discuss the causes and treatments of wound infections after scoliosis surgery.

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

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.

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.