Post-operative Spine Infections

FACTS

 

HPI

 

PHYSICAL EXAM

IMAGING

 
A/P
  • Track response to infection with CRP, not WBC or ESR which are variable and may persistently remain high
 

References

Khan MH, Smith PN, Rao N, Donaldson WF. Serum C-reactive protein levels correlate with clinical response in patients treated with antibiotics for wound infections after spinal surgery. Spine J. 2006 May-Jun;6(3):311-5. doi: 10.1016/j.spinee.2005.07.006. PMID: 16651226.
Pubmed Web link
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16651226/
Mok JM, Pekmezci M, Piper SL, Boyd E, Berven SH, Burch S, Deviren V, Tay B, Hu SS. Use of C-reactive protein after spinal surgery: comparison with erythrocyte sedimentation rate as predictor of early postoperative infectious complications. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2008 Feb 15;33(4):415-21. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0b013e318163f9ee. PMID: 18277874.
Pubmed Web link
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18277874/