Is there a length of time of infection beyond which instrumentation should be removed?

Authors: Christopher Kepler, Barrett Boody

RECOMMENDATION: The data suggests that early infection can commonly be treated with implant retention and debridement followed by intravenous (IV) antibiotics and common oral antibiotic treatment. If the patient has achieved spinal fusion, the implants can be safely removed. In the setting of pseudarthrosis, thought should be given to removal of implants to eradicate infection followed by re-instrumentation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Limited

DELEGATE VOTE: Agree: 100%, Disagree: 0%, Abstain: 0% (Unanimous, Strongest Consensus)

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