High rate of late revision with multiple Cutibacterium acnes tissue isolates in paediatric spinal deformity suggesting implant-associated infection

BACKGROUND: Postoperative spinal implant infection (PSII) causes significant morbidity and suffering and can occur long after surgery. OBJECTIVES: Our purpose was to investigate the incidence and time to reoperation for PSII following adolescent deformity surgery. We also aimed to identify causative microorganisms, resistance to antibiotics and the influence of risk factors and evaluate resolution of infection. METHODS: Retrospective review on all adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and neuromuscular scoliosis(NMS) spinal fusion patients aged 10-18 at a university hospital between 2015 and 2021, with a 2-year follow-up of two. RESULTS: = 30). In NMS patients, polymicrobial infections dominated. Among infected patients, only 1 of 38 AIS patients (2.6%) and 3 of 11 NMS patients (27.3%) required a second reoperation within 24 months. CONCLUSION: are warranted in this or similar populations.