Analysis of the Incidence of Post-Operative Wound Infections After Spine Surgery

Analysis of the Incidence of Post-Operative Wound Infections After Spine Surgery - a Prospective Study

Post-operative wound infections can prolong hospital stays, increase rates of readmission to the intensive care unit, and increase the costs of treatment significantly. This study will conduct a prospective chart review of all patients undergoing elective spinal surgery on both the neurosurgery and orthopedic spine services at two facilities on an academic campus. The investigators will collect the data of those patients who develop post-surgical infections. This data will then be analyzed and compared to published data from other studies. The aim of this investigation is to passively collect this infection data, which may ultimately provide needed baseline incidence rates using current and standard protocols.

This is a chart review study.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 years of age or older
• Patients undergoing elective spinal surgery on either the neurosurgery and orthopedic spine services
• Patients who develop post-operative wound infections within 90 days of surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients younger than 18 years of age
• Patients who are not undergoing elective spinal surgery on either the neurosurgery and orthopedic spine services
• Patients who do not develop post-operative wound infections within 90 days of surgery