Clinical features and management of postoperative lumbar intervertebral space infections following spinal endoscopy: a retrospective analysis

BackgroundPostoperative lumbar intervertebral space infections following spinal endoscopy are infrequent but severe complications that can markedly affect patient recovery and treatment outcomes. Early diagnosis remains challenging due to the nonspecific nature of clinical symptoms. This study aims...

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Main Authors: Kunpeng Su, Mingzhi Liu, Mengxuan Wang, Qingyu Yao, Zirui Wang, Zheng Lian, Chuanli Zhou
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-05-01
Series:Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2025.1538779/full
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author Kunpeng Su
Mingzhi Liu
Mengxuan Wang
Qingyu Yao
Zirui Wang
Zheng Lian
Chuanli Zhou
author_facet Kunpeng Su
Mingzhi Liu
Mengxuan Wang
Qingyu Yao
Zirui Wang
Zheng Lian
Chuanli Zhou
author_sort Kunpeng Su
collection DOAJ
description BackgroundPostoperative lumbar intervertebral space infections following spinal endoscopy are infrequent but severe complications that can markedly affect patient recovery and treatment outcomes. Early diagnosis remains challenging due to the nonspecific nature of clinical symptoms. This study aims to identify the clinical characteristics, risk factors, and effective diagnostic and treatment strategies for postoperative intervertebral space infections.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 14 cases of postoperative intervertebral space infections following spinal endoscopy. The data set included patient demographics, clinical symptoms, imaging findings, blood culture results, and treatment approaches. The analysis assessed early diagnosis and treatment outcomes concerning the infection’s progression and the use of MRI, inflammatory markers, and empirical antibiotics.ResultsThe most common clinical symptoms included localized back pain, neurological deficits, and fever, though these lacked specificity. MRI proved valuable in diagnosing early infections. The majority of cases exhibited elevated levels of inflammatory markers, such as CRP and ESR. The treatment plan included early surgical intervention with debridement and internal fixation, along with extended antibiotic therapy.ConclusionThe early identification and intervention of postoperative intervertebral space infections following spinal endoscopy are of critical importance. The implementation of a strict aseptic technique, the execution of careful preoperative planning, and the timely use of MRI for diagnosis are essential to the prevention and effective treatment of these infections. This study underscores the necessity of a comprehensive approach to minimize the risk of postoperative intervertebral space infections and to enhance patient outcomes.
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spelling doaj-art-2f6154a44b974d0fb9bcea4e1c6c59062025-08-20T03:53:46ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology2235-29882025-05-011510.3389/fcimb.2025.15387791538779Clinical features and management of postoperative lumbar intervertebral space infections following spinal endoscopy: a retrospective analysisKunpeng Su0Mingzhi Liu1Mengxuan Wang2Qingyu Yao3Zirui Wang4Zheng Lian5Chuanli Zhou6Department of Spinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, ChinaDepartment of Spinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, ChinaDepartment of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, ChinaDepartment of Spinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, ChinaDepartment of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, ChinaDepartment of Spinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, ChinaDepartment of Spinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, ChinaBackgroundPostoperative lumbar intervertebral space infections following spinal endoscopy are infrequent but severe complications that can markedly affect patient recovery and treatment outcomes. Early diagnosis remains challenging due to the nonspecific nature of clinical symptoms. This study aims to identify the clinical characteristics, risk factors, and effective diagnostic and treatment strategies for postoperative intervertebral space infections.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 14 cases of postoperative intervertebral space infections following spinal endoscopy. The data set included patient demographics, clinical symptoms, imaging findings, blood culture results, and treatment approaches. The analysis assessed early diagnosis and treatment outcomes concerning the infection’s progression and the use of MRI, inflammatory markers, and empirical antibiotics.ResultsThe most common clinical symptoms included localized back pain, neurological deficits, and fever, though these lacked specificity. MRI proved valuable in diagnosing early infections. The majority of cases exhibited elevated levels of inflammatory markers, such as CRP and ESR. The treatment plan included early surgical intervention with debridement and internal fixation, along with extended antibiotic therapy.ConclusionThe early identification and intervention of postoperative intervertebral space infections following spinal endoscopy are of critical importance. The implementation of a strict aseptic technique, the execution of careful preoperative planning, and the timely use of MRI for diagnosis are essential to the prevention and effective treatment of these infections. This study underscores the necessity of a comprehensive approach to minimize the risk of postoperative intervertebral space infections and to enhance patient outcomes.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2025.1538779/fullspinal endoscopyintervertebral space infectionssurgical site infectioninfection preventionretrospective study
spellingShingle Kunpeng Su
Mingzhi Liu
Mengxuan Wang
Qingyu Yao
Zirui Wang
Zheng Lian
Chuanli Zhou
Clinical features and management of postoperative lumbar intervertebral space infections following spinal endoscopy: a retrospective analysis
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
spinal endoscopy
intervertebral space infections
surgical site infection
infection prevention
retrospective study
title Clinical features and management of postoperative lumbar intervertebral space infections following spinal endoscopy: a retrospective analysis
title_full Clinical features and management of postoperative lumbar intervertebral space infections following spinal endoscopy: a retrospective analysis
title_fullStr Clinical features and management of postoperative lumbar intervertebral space infections following spinal endoscopy: a retrospective analysis
title_full_unstemmed Clinical features and management of postoperative lumbar intervertebral space infections following spinal endoscopy: a retrospective analysis
title_short Clinical features and management of postoperative lumbar intervertebral space infections following spinal endoscopy: a retrospective analysis
title_sort clinical features and management of postoperative lumbar intervertebral space infections following spinal endoscopy a retrospective analysis
topic spinal endoscopy
intervertebral space infections
surgical site infection
infection prevention
retrospective study
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2025.1538779/full
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