Low postoperative infection rates with instrumented lumbar fusion

Background. Studies have shown postoperative infection rates increase with the use of internal instrumentation. It is believed that longer operative t imes, prolonged retraction, instrumentation, and bone grafting lead to a hi gher risk of infection. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 126 consecutive instrumented lumbar fu sions. All had bone graft. The infection rate was statistically compared wi th previously reported values. Results. Our infection rate (0.8 %) was lower than the combined data from t he literature (2.8 %), though not significantly different. No significant d ifferences were noted regarding patient or surgical factors. Conclusions. This review showed that low rates of postoperative infection c an be achieved despite patient or surgical factors. We believe that conform ing to strict techniques, including copious irrigation and debridement, and having experienced operating room personnel and short operating times will reduce the incidence of postoperative infections.