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Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
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Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA

Published on: February 9, 2011

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Clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of spinal infection caused by methicillin-resistant staphylococcus

Mitsuhiro Nishizawa1, Mladen Djurasovic1, Steven D Glassman1

  • 1Norton Leatherman Spine Center, 210 East Gray Street, Suite 900, Louisville, KY 40202, USA; University of Louisville, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, 550 S. Jackson Street, 1st Floor ACB, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.

The Spine Journal : Official Journal of the North American Spine Society
|July 13, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) spinal infections show higher recurrence rates and complications. MRSA is an independent risk factor for recurrence after surgery for spinal infections.

Area of Science:

  • Orthopedics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurosurgery

Background:

  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a growing cause of spinal infections.
  • Limited research exists on surgical outcomes and complications specific to MRSA spinal infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the characteristics, surgical outcomes, and complications of spinal infections caused by MRSA.
  • Compare outcomes between MRSA and non-MRSA spinal infections.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective observational cohort study.
  • Reviewed 205 patients undergoing surgery for spinal infections.
  • Compared clinical characteristics and postoperative complications between MRSA and non-MRSA groups.

Main Results:

  • MRSA infections were associated with higher rates of smoking, IV drug use, thoracic spine involvement, epidural abscesses, and bacteremia.
  • MRSA patients had significantly higher readmission (48% vs 34%) and recurrence rates (20% vs 7.8%).
  • MRSA independently increased the risk of recurrence (OR 2.60).

Conclusions:

  • MRSA spinal infections present with distinct risk factors and higher complication rates.
  • MRSA is an independent predictor of recurrence after surgical treatment for spinal infections.
Keywords:
ComplicationsMRSARecurrenceSpinal infectionSpondylodiscitisSurgical treatment

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