• Christine Ho, Daniel J Sucato, and B Stephens Richards.
• Texas Scottish Rite Hospital, Dallas, TX 75219, USA.
• Spine. 2007 Sep 15; 32 (20): 2272-7.

Study DesignRetrospective comparison study of patients who had a delayed infection following a posterior spinal fusion and instrumentation (PSFI) for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).ObjectiveTo define risk factors for the development of delayed infections following PSFI for AIS by comparing those patients who developed this complication to a randomly selected group of patients who did not.Summary Of Background DataDespite studies reporting the incidence and treatment of delayed infection following PSFI for AIS, there are no studies analyzing risk factors for its occurrence.MethodsAll patients who required treatment for delayed infections following PSFI for AIS were identified (infection group, n = 36). A random selection of patients who did not develop a delayed infection (no infection, n = 90) was made in a ratio of 3:1 (no infection/infection). The 2 groups were compared using statistical methods.ResultsParameters associated with the infection group included: presence of a significant medical history, surgeon, less surgical time, a more distal fusion level (16% infection rate with a thoracic LIV vs. 33% infection rate with a lumbar LIV), not using postoperative drains, and increased drainage when drains were used. Other factors associated with infection were use of a blood transfusion and when increasing units of transfusion were used. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified 3 factors that remained statistically significant: 1) significant medical history, 2) receiving a blood transfusion, and 3) not using a postoperative drain. Factors that were not associated with delayed infection included body mass index, the number of anchor points used, use of allograft bone, and the total number of levels instrumented and antibiotic regimen.ConclusionThe occurrence of a delayed infection is most likely multifactorial and is related to a positive past medical history and the use of blood transfusions. Postoperative use of a drain may be important to avoid delayed infection.

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