Perioperative risk factors for wound infections after lower back fusions.

Although reduced by technology, antibiotics and surgical technique, spinal infection from surgery remains a recognizable risk. The rate of infection in spinal surgery is reviewed. Identification of risk factors are important in preoperative planning. Preoperative risk factors for postoperative spinal infection include obesity and smoking. Attention to sterility and efficient technique can reduce potential wound contamination intraoperatively. Excessive wound drainage and seroma formation should warn of a potential wound infection.