Latent Spinal Implant Infection During Pregnancy: A Case Report

TL;DR

A pregnant woman with a delayed spinal infection after surgery was successfully treated postpartum with surgery and antibiotics.

Contribution

This case report presents a rare scenario of managing a deep spinal infection in a pregnant patient and emphasizes the need for individualized treatment.

Findings

A multidisciplinary approach successfully managed a deep spinal infection in a pregnant patient postpartum.

Treatment included extensive debridement, removal of instrumentation, and antibiotic therapy.

The case underscores the importance of individualized decisions due to limited data in this patient population.

Abstract

Deep spinal surgical site infections (SSIs) following spine surgery pose a significant concern, with management becoming even more complex and high-risk in pregnant patients with spinal instrumentation. The optimal approach to managing this rare scenario remains unclear. We present the case of a 33-year-old pregnant woman who developed a delayed, deep spinal SSI several years after undergoing instrumented fusion for scoliosis. Due to her pregnancy, intervention was deferred until the postpartum period. A multidisciplinary team successfully managed the case with extensive debridement, removal of all instrumentation, and subsequent antibiotic therapy. This case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing complex SSIs during pregnancy. Given the limited data available, we advocate for individualized treatment decisions guided by a thorough risk-benefit analysis. Further research is needed to establish evidence-based guidelines for managing SSIs in this unique patient population.

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