Methods to Decrease Post-Operative Infections Following Posterior Cervical Spine Surgery

Abstract

Infection rates following posterior cervical surgery can approach 2–3%. In order to decrease surgical site infections, in 8/2004, we initiated a new protocol of pre-prepping the skin and surrounding plastic drapes with alcohol foam, and using a suprafascial drain in addition to a subfascial drain in obese patients. In 2008, in addition to the above measures we began placing 500mg of vancomycin powder into the wound prior to closure.