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Clostridium perfringens in the spine: A rare cause of post-surgical infection
Omar Marroquin-Herrera1, Santiago Andres Rosales-Camargo1, Luis Carlos Morales-Sáenz1
1Department of Spine Surgery, Hospital Universitario Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Bogota, Cundinamarca, Colombia.
Background:
Post-surgical infections of the spine occur in from 0% to 18% of cases. Postoperative spine infections due to Clostridium Perfringens (CP) resulting in necrotizing fasciitis are extremely rare. However, since they may be fatal, early and definitive treatment is critical.
Case Description A:
62-year-old male with a T8-T9 Type C fracture, in ASIA Grade "E" (neurologically intact) underwent a posterior T6-T10 arthrodesis. However, 2 weeks postoperatively, he developed a postoperative thoracic wound infection; the cultures were positive for CP. As the patient developed necrotizing fasciitis, emergent debridement, negative pressure continued drainage, and initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy were critical.
Conclusion:
Postoperative spinal infections due to CP with accompanying necrotizing fasciitis are extremely rare. As these infections may be fatal, they must be rapidly diagnosed and treated.
Insights
Postoperative spinal infections are rare but can be fatal. Early diagnosis and treatment of Clostridium Perfringens (CP) necrotizing fasciitis are critical for patient survival.
Area of Science:
- Spinal surgery
- Infectious diseases
- Trauma surgery
Background:
- Post-surgical spine infections range from 0% to 18%.
- Clostridium Perfringens (CP) causing necrotizing fasciitis post-spine surgery is extremely rare.
- Prompt treatment is vital due to potential fatality.
Observation:
- A 62-year-old male with a T8-T9 Type C fracture underwent posterior T6-T10 arthrodesis.
- Two weeks post-surgery, he developed a thoracic wound infection.
- Cultures confirmed Clostridium Perfringens (CP) infection with necrotizing fasciitis.
Findings:
- Emergent debridement was performed.
- Negative pressure wound therapy was initiated.
- Appropriate antibiotic therapy was started.
Implications:
- Rapid diagnosis and treatment of CP-induced necrotizing fasciitis are crucial.
- This case highlights the importance of considering rare pathogens in postoperative infections.
- Aggressive surgical and antibiotic management is key for favorable outcomes.
