How do early and late infectious complications differ following spine surgery?

Author: Gregory Schroeder

RECOMMENDATION: Early infections, defined as occurring within 30 days of surgery, often present with local signs of infection such as increased surgical site pain, erythema, warmth and wound drainage. Conversely, late infections (> 90 days after surgery) commonly present with an insidious onset of chronic pain and implant failure/ pseudarthrosis if following a fusion.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Moderate

DELEGATE VOTE: Agree: 87%, Disagree: 0%, Abstain: 13% (Super Majority, Strong Consensus)

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