Bacterial Contamination: Iodine vs Saline Irrigation in Pediatric Spine Surgery

Bacterial Wound Contamination Prior to Closure: Povidone-Iodine Versus Saline Irrigation in Pediatric Spine Fusion Surgery

This study will evaluate the safety of povidone-iodine irrigation in pediatric spinal patients by collecting pre- and post-operative safety labwork. Furthermore, the efficacy of povidone-iodine and normal saline irrigation at reducing bacterial contamination of the surgical wound will be measured by collecting cultures before and after irrigation.

Previous research has shown there is baseline bacterial contamination of surgical spinal wounds prior to closure. While this bacterial contamination may or may not lead to infection, recent adult studies demonstrated reduced infection rates by using povidone-iodine irrigation before closure. This study will determine the safety of using povidone-iodine irrigation in pediatric spinal patients and how effective it is at reducing bacterial contamination of the spinal surgical wound prior to closure, compared with normal saline. The investigators hypothesize povidone-iodine is both safe and effective. Understanding techniques that reduce the local bacterial load in the wound prior to closure after spinal fusion will give data to support measures that will ultimately reduce the rate of postoperative infections.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 3 to 18 years on day of surgery
2. diagnosis of spinal deformity
3. undergoing elective posterior spine multi-level instrumentation surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Documented renal failure
2. documented allergy to iodine or shellfish
3. previous spine fusion surgery
4. undergoing elective posterior spine single-level instrumentation surgery
5. undergoing anterior spine multi-level instrumentation surgery
6. current antibiotic use.