{"id":"6c12253c-6978-47f7-93d5-b642d92444a9","slug":"clostridium-perfringens-in-the-spine-a-rare-cause-of-post-surgical-infection","title":"Clostridium perfringens in the spine: A rare cause of post-surgical infection","authors":["Omar Marroquin-Herrera","Santiago Andres Rosales-Camargo","Luis Carlos Morales-Sáenz","Fernando Alvarado-Gomez"],"abstract":"Background: Post-surgical infections of the spine occur in from 0% to 18% of cases. Postoperative spine infections due to Clostridium Perfringens (CP) resulting in necrotizing fasciitis are extremely rare. However, since they may be fatal, early and definitive treatment is critical. Case Description: A: 62-year-old male with a T8-T9 Type C fracture, in ASIA Grade “E” (neurologically intact) underwent a posterior T6-T10 arthrodesis. However, 2 weeks postoperatively, he developed a postoperative thoracic wound infection; the cultures were positive for CP. As the patient developed necrotizing fasciitis, emergent debridement, negative pressure continued drainage, and initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy were critical. Conclusion: Postoperative spinal infections due to CP with accompanying necrotizing fasciitis are extremely rare. As these infections may be fatal, they must be rapidly diagnosed and treated.","thumbnailUrl":"https://sni-digital-videos.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/6c12253c-6978-47f7-93d5-b642d92444a9/featured/hero-1781561873238.png","publishDate":"2021-11-02T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.25259/SNI_1039_2021","categories":["Spine","Case Report"],"fullTextUrl":"https://surgicalneurologyint.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/11214/SNI-12-544.pdf"}