Risk factors for surgical site infection after internal fixation for thoracolumbar fractures

The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk factors for surgical site infection (SSI) after internal fixation by posterior approach in patients with thoracolumbar fractures. According to whether SSI occurred after internal fixation, patients were divided into SSI group and Non-SSI group. Clinical data of all patients were collected and the distribution of pathogenic bacteria in the SSI group was analyzed. Risk factors for SSI were analyzed using univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression. The incidence of SSI was 6.6%. The most common bacteria in the SSI group were Gram-positive bacteria, with Staphylococcus aureus being the most common. BMI higher than 24 kg/m2 (p = 0.005), mean time from injury to definitive surgery of more than 7 days (p = 0.004), and duration of postoperative drainage of more than 2 days (p = 0.005) were independent risk factors for the development of SSI in closed thoracolumbar fractures. In patients with closed thoracolumbar fractures, weight loss, avoidance of delayed surgery, and avoidance of prolonged postoperative drainage (greater than 2 days) may be beneficial in reducing the incidence of SSI. However, these findings are based on a retrospective analysis and require prospective validation.