Summary

Deep surgical site infection rates up to 15% have been reported after multilevel spinal surgery. Furthermore, there is an increasing incidence of cephalosporin-resistant bacterial strains. Interest in intrawound vancomycin powder has grown, with early data suggesting decreased infection rates, however, further research is needed in order to determine the dose with minimal detrimental effects on bone healing. This article reports on data from an in vitro study entitled Does Intrawound Application of Vancomycin Influence Bone Regeneration in Spinal Fusion?.