Risk factors for postoperative spinal infection: A retrospective analysis of 5065 cases

Background: Multiple factors increase the risk for spinal surgical site infection (SSI): prior SSI, obesity, diabetes mellitus, advanced age, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, alcohol abuse, low prealbumin levels, smoking, history of cancer, chronic steroids, immunosuppressive drugs, rheumatoid arthritis, and hypothyroidism.