Neurosurgery
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Comparative Study Observational Study
Low-Grade Infection and Implant Failure Following Spinal Instrumentation: A Prospective Comparative Study.
Spinal instrumentation can be associated with complications, including implant loosening. Hitherto, implant loosening has mainly been attributed to mechanical overload. ⋯ For patients with screw loosening a high level of suspicion for a low-grade infection should be raised. Cultures should be performed from the sonication fluid of the explanted devices in all patients with symptomatic screw loosening.