Our Summary

The research paper is looking at infections that occur after spinal surgery, which are a serious and costly issue. The researchers identified patients who had either laminectomy or spinal fusion procedures in Alberta, Canada between 2008 and 2015, and then tracked any infections that occurred within a year after the surgery.

Out of over 21,000 surgeries, about 56.7% were laminectomy procedures, and they had an infection rate of 2.7 for every 100 procedures. About 43.3% of the procedures were spinal fusions, which had a slightly higher infection rate of 3.2 for every 100 procedures. The study also found that the infection rates increased between 2008 and 2015, and the highest rates were found in patients aged 0-18.

The study suggests that using administrative data (like hospital records) could be a good way to track these infection rates, although more research is needed to confirm this. This could be a simpler method than traditional methods, which often require a lot of manual work.

FAQs

  1. What was the main focus of the research paper regarding spinal surgery?
  2. What were the infection rates for laminectomy and spinal fusion procedures according to the study?
  3. What method does the study suggest for tracking infection rates post-spinal surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about spinal laminectomy is to follow post-operative care instructions closely to reduce the risk of infection. This may include keeping the surgical site clean and dry, taking prescribed antibiotics as directed, and avoiding activities that could put strain on the spine during the initial recovery period. It’s also important to attend all follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor healing progress and address any concerns promptly.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended spinal laminectomy are those who have conditions such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, or other spinal abnormalities that are causing compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots. These patients may be experiencing symptoms such as back pain, leg pain, numbness, weakness, or difficulty walking. Spinal laminectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing a portion of the lamina (the bony arch of the vertebra) to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.

Patients who have not responded to conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections may be recommended for spinal laminectomy. Additionally, patients who have progressive neurological symptoms, such as weakness or loss of function, may also be candidates for this procedure.

It is important for patients to discuss their individual medical history and symptoms with their healthcare provider to determine if spinal laminectomy is the most appropriate treatment option for their condition.

Timeline

Before spinal laminectomy:

  • Patient experiences symptoms of spinal stenosis or other spinal conditions, such as pain, numbness, weakness, or difficulty walking.
  • Patient undergoes diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans, to determine the extent of the spinal condition.
  • Patient consults with a neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon to discuss treatment options, including spinal laminectomy.

After spinal laminectomy:

  • Patient undergoes spinal laminectomy surgery to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
  • Patient stays in the hospital for a few days for recovery and monitoring.
  • Patient undergoes physical therapy to regain strength and mobility in the spine.
  • Patient follows up with the surgeon for post-operative care and monitoring of any complications, such as infections.
  • Patient resumes normal activities gradually as advised by the surgeon.

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after spinal laminectomy involves initial symptoms and diagnosis, surgical intervention, post-operative recovery, and long-term follow-up care to ensure optimal outcomes and prevent complications like infections.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about spinal laminectomy include:

  1. What is a spinal laminectomy and why is it being recommended for me?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a spinal laminectomy, including the risk of infection?
  3. How can I reduce my risk of developing an infection after the surgery?
  4. What symptoms should I watch out for that may indicate an infection after the surgery?
  5. How will my post-operative care plan be structured to minimize the risk of infection?
  6. How often will I need to follow up with you after the surgery to monitor for any signs of infection?
  7. Are there any specific factors about my health or medical history that may increase my risk of developing an infection after the surgery?
  8. What is the typical recovery process like for patients who undergo a spinal laminectomy?
  9. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider that may have lower risks of infection?
  10. Can you provide me with more information about the infection rates associated with spinal laminectomy procedures, as well as any strategies being implemented to reduce these rates?

Reference

Authors: Crocker A, Kornilo A, Conly J, Henderson E, Rennert-May E, Leal J. Journal: Am J Infect Control. 2021 Jun;49(6):759-763. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2020.10.010. Epub 2020 Oct 20. PMID: 33091510