Surgical Site Infection After Posterior Spinal Fusion for Paediatric Spinal Deformities: A Single-Centre...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Infectious Disease Control
• Spinal Surgery

Background:

• Surgical Site Infections (SSIs) are a significant complication following Posterior Spinal Fusion (PSF) in pediatric patients.
• SSI rates vary widely, influenced by patient pathology, surgical complexity, and perioperative factors.
• Identifying specific risk factors is crucial for improving outcomes in pediatric PSF.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the overall incidence of SSIs in pediatric patients undergoing PSF.
• To identify modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors associated with SSIs in this population.
• To evaluate SSI rates within a specific pediatric hospital setting.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective observational study included 46 pediatric patients (67 surgeries) between 2019 and 2024.
• Inclusion criteria: age < 22 years, PSF only, and >9 months postoperative follow-up.
• SSIs were defined as infections occurring within 90 days of the index surgical procedure.

Main Results:

• The deep SSI rate in the study cohort was 6.0% (4 cases out of 67 surgeries).
• Older age at the time of PSF was significantly associated with an increased risk of SSI.
• A history of previous spine surgery emerged as another critical risk factor for developing SSIs.

Conclusions:

• The incidence of deep SSIs following PSF in this pediatric cohort was 6.0% between 2019 and 2024.
• Advanced patient age and prior spinal surgery are significant risk factors for SSIs after PSF.
• These findings highlight the need for targeted preventive strategies in high-risk pediatric patients undergoing PSF.