Risk factors for postoperative deep infection in bone tumors

Postoperative deep infection after bone tumor surgery remains a serious complication. Although there are numerous reports about risk factors for postoperative deep infection in general surgery, there is only a small number of reports about those for bone tumor surgery. This retrospective study aimed to identify risk factors for postoperative deep infection after bone tumor resection.

We reviewed data of 681 patients (844 bone tumors) who underwent surgery. Associations between variables, including age, recurrent tumor, pathological fracture, surgical site (pelvis/other), chemotherapy, biological reconstruction, augmentation of artificial bone or bone cement, the use of an implant, intraoperative blood loss, operative time, additional surgery for complications, and postoperative deep infection were evaluated.

The rate of postoperative deep infection was 3.2% (27/844 tumors). A pelvic tumor (odds ratio [OR]: 3.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0-11.3) and use of an implant (OR: 9.3, 95% CI: 1.9-45.5) were associated with an increased risk of deep infection.

This retrospective study showed that pelvic tumor and use of an implant were independent risk factors for deep infection. This information will help surgeons prepare an adequate surgical plan for patients with bone tumors.