Spinal infection after vertebral augmentation: a covert complication with serious havoc

Vertebral augmentation, including percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) or kyphoplasty (PKP), is the current least invasive surgical option and has been widely used to treat the painful osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF). However, the postoperative infections could be life-threatening, even though they rarely occur. Our studies aim to clarify the causation and outcomes of spinal infections following augmentation and meanwhile to identify the risk factors.

A retrospective study was conducted on patients with OVCF who underwent PVP or PKP, and were subsequently admitted to our institution with postoperative spinal infection between January 2010 and December 2022. A total of 33 patients were finally included.

The rate of spinal infection after augmentation in our single institute was 0.05% (2/3893). In addition to these 2 patients, the remaining 31 were referred from other hospitals. All 33 patients exhibited elevated inflammatory parameters, 14 patients presented with fever, and 9 patients experienced neurological deficits. Additionally, 29 patients had comorbidity and risk factors. Pathogens were identified in 26 patients, while only 7 patients were examined as culture negative. 27 patients underwent revision surgery and 6 patients only received conservative therapy. Anterior surgery was performed in 2 patients, while posterior surgery was performed in 20 patients. A combined anterior-posterior surgery was performed in 5 patients. At the final follow-up, 18 patients had unrestricted mobility, 10 patients required assistance from crutches or a walker for ambulation, 4 patients needed a wheelchair, and 1 patients died after revision surgery.

Spinal infection after vertebral augmentation is rare, but it cannot be ignored. Surgeons should make every effort to detect the potential preoperative spondylitis or discitis. Once postoperative spinal infection is confirmed, a prompt intravenous antibiotic therapy is warranted. If medication therapy fails, revision surgery involving debridement and spinal reconstruction should be considered.