Postoperative Spinal Implant Infections in Children
Abstract
Background: Postoperative infection is a major complication of spinal surgery with implants. We aimed to identify risk factors for, and characteristics of, postoperative spinal infections in children.
Methods: We performed a retrospective observational study of all children who underwent posterior spinal fusion with instrumentation in 2 referral hospitals in 2008–2013. Spinal infections were defined as local and/or general signs of infection that required surgical treatment in the early postoperative phase (ie, within 30 days). Data were collected on a standardized questionnaire from medical charts.
Results: Of the 450 children who underwent spinal surgery, 26 (5.8%) were diagnosed with early postoperative spinal implant infection, with a median age of 14 years (interquartile range, 13–17) and a median delay of 13 days postsurgery (interquartile range, 7–18). Postoperative infection was more common in children with neurologic scoliosis as compared with idiopathic scoliosis (12.2% [15/123] versus 2.4% [5/211]; P < 0.01). Neurologic scoliosis was an independent predictor of spinal implant infections (hazard ratio, 3.87 [1.72–8.69]; P < 0.001). Main pathogens were Staphylococcus aureus (n = 14) and Enterobacteriaceae (n = 8). All children underwent early surgery (wound exploration, debridement and lavage) and antibiotics for a median duration of 19 weeks [interquartile range, 12–26]. Two children (7.7%) required a second surgery. Spinal implants could be retained in all, and no relapse occurred with a follow-up of ≥24 months after antibiotic discontinuation.
Conclusions: Postoperative spinal implant infection is not rare in pediatric patients, especially with neurologic scoliosis. Most children may be cured with implant retention if managed with early surgery followed by a 3-month course of appropriate antibacterial agents.
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