Is there a role for the use of serum biomarker for the diagnosis of spinal surgical site infection (SSI)?

Author: Maja Babic

RECOMMENDATION: Yes, C-reactive protein (CRP) is a predictable, reliable and economical screening tool for early infectious complications following spine surgery. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and white blood cell count have nonspecific kinetics that are less helpful in identifying early SSI.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Moderate

DELEGATE VOTE: Agree: 67%, Disagree: 25%, Abstain: 8% (Super Majority, Weak Consensus)

223