• I B McPhee, R P Williams, and C E Swanson.
• Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
• Spine. 1998 Mar 15; 23 (6): 726-32; discussion 732-3.

Study DesignThe study group consisted of 53 patients who underwent 75 operations for spine metastases. Patient and tumor demographic factors, preoperative nutritional status, and perioperative adjunctive therapy were retrospectively reviewed.ObjectiveTo determine the risk factors for wound breakdown and infection in patients undergoing surgery for spinal metastases.Summary Of Background DataSpinal fusion using spine implants may be associated with an infection rate of 5% or more. Surgery for spine metastases is associated with an infection rate of more than 10%. Factors other than the type of surgery performed may account for the greater infection rate.MethodsData were obtained by reviewing patient records. Age, sex, and neurologic status of the patient; tumor type and site; and surgical details were noted. Adjunctive treatment with corticosteroids and radiotherapy was recorded. Nutritional status was evaluated by determining serum protein and serum albumin concentrations and by total lymphocyte count.ResultsWound breakdown and infection occurred in 15 of 75 wounds. No patient or tumor demographic factors other than intraoperative blood loss (P < 0.1) were statistically associated with infection. The correlation between preoperative protein deficiency (P < 0.01) or perioperative corticosteroid administration (P < 0.10) and wound infection was significant. There was no statistical correlation between lymphocyte count or perioperative radiotherapy and wound infection.ConclusionsThe results indicate that preoperative protein depletion and perioperative administration of corticosteroids are risk factors for wound infection in patients undergoing surgery for spine metastases. Perioperative correction of nutritional depletion and cessation of steroid therapy may reduce wound complications.

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