The infectbn rate in 174 instrumented spinal surgery was documented. The patients vvere investigated in terms of risk factors. Infections occurring after 12 months vvere considered as late. Eight (4.6 %) acute infections out of 174 instrumented spinal surgery vvere observed and treated by early surgical debridement. Three (1.7 %) late reactions vvere observed and treated by implant removal. These late reactions vvere not bacterial infections, rather they vvere a foreign body reaction around the implants. Metallic debris due to micromotion especially around the rod and the cross-link connections cause this inflammation. Metallic debris may cause foreign body reaction mimicking late infection vvhich resolves after debridement and implant removal. This study vvas designed to analyze frequency, nature and risk factors of postoperative deep vvound infections in instrumented spinal surgery.
Keywords: Spine, surgery, infection.