Early Postoperative Infections of the Sub-Axial Cervical Spine: A Case Series and a Review of Literature

Abstract Surgical site infections after cervical spine surgery are well-known complications associated with significant patient morbidity and need for repeat hospitalization and need for revision surgery. The rates of infection depend on a variety of patient-related and operative factors such as the posterior approach, higher American Society of Anesthesiologists class, longer operative time, steroid use, and patients undergoing chemotherapy/radiation. However, there are still gaps in our understanding of these factors, and decision-making must be tailored to each patient based on multiple considerations. Most of the existing knowledge relies on retrospective single-center analysis and case reports. This case series and review of literature aims to bridge these gaps and provide insights into possible management strategies for this complication.