Salmonella Surgical Site Infection After Cervical Spine Surgery: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Infectious Disease
• Spinal Cord Injury

Background:

• Central cord syndrome is the most common incomplete spinal cord injury.
• Early surgical decompression improves outcomes for spinal cord injuries.
• Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a significant complication following spine surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of Salmonella surgical site infection (SSI) after spine surgery.
• To highlight the potential for Salmonella as a cause of SSI in immunocompetent patients.
• To discuss the challenges of managing infections after spinal decompression.

Main Methods:

• A 59-year-old male patient presented with symptoms of central cord syndrome after a fall.
• The patient underwent emergent cervical decompression surgery.
• Post-discharge, the patient developed a surgical site infection confirmed to be Salmonella.

Main Results:

• The patient experienced bilateral upper extremity weakness consistent with central cord syndrome.
• Radiographic evidence showed cervical cord compression.
• A Salmonella SSI was diagnosed after the initial surgical intervention.

Conclusions:

• Salmonella is a rare but possible cause of surgical site infections after spine surgery, even in immunocompetent individuals.
• Managing SSIs in the context of recent spinal surgery requires careful consideration.
• This case underscores the importance of vigilance for unusual pathogens in post-operative infections.