Evaluating the Risk of Postoperative Infection and Complications in Lumbar Spine Surgery Patients with Preoperative Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Colonization

Preoperative MRSA colonization is independently associated with significantly elevated risks of mortality, wound complications, systemic infections, hematologic morbidity, and acute renal injury after elective LSS. Clinically, preoperative recognition of MRSA colonization could prompt implementation of multimodal decolonization protocols and targeted counseling regarding heightened complication risks. This risk-stratified approach may optimize perioperative management and improve outcomes in high-risk LSS patients.