Postoperative pediatric spinal infections

Surgical site infection after pediatric spinal surgery has been the focus of several recent multidisciplinary task forces. Infection occurs most frequently in the neuromuscular population, followed by children with early onset scoliosis undergoing repetitive growing-rod surgeries. Infection occurs rarely in healthy patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, with current infection rates of 2%. This article reviews the risk factors, pathogens, and current recommendations for prevention of pediatric spinal surgical site infections.