The use of vancomycin powder reduces surgical reoperation in posterior instrumented and noninstrumented spinal surgery

Background Surgical site infections can complicate posterior spine surgery. Multiple hospital admissions may be required to adequately treat a surgical site infection, which is associated with increased costs and lower patient satisfaction. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic intra-wound vancomycin powder in reducing the incidence of repeat surgery for infections after posterior instrumented and noninstrumented spine surgery.