Use of Dexamethasone in the Immediate Postoperative Period Is Associated With Increased Risk of Instrumentation and Surgical Site Complications in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Lumbar Spinal Fusion

Key Points

• This research aims to evaluate the association between dexamethasone use post-surgery and complications in diabetic patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion.
• Retrospective analysis of diabetic patients undergoing elective lumbar spinal fusion.
• Comparison of outcomes between patients receiving dexamethasone and those who did not.
• Assessment of complications at multiple time points: 30 days, 90 days, and 1 year.
• Higher incidence of surgical site infections (SSI) in patients receiving dexamethasone.
• Increased instrumentation-related complications noted within the first year post-surgery.
• Statistical significance observed in complication rates based on dexamethasone administration.