Antibiotic use in spine surgery: A narrative review based in principles of antibiotic stewardship

Background: A growing emphasis on antibiotic stewardship has led to extensive literature regarding antibiotic use in spine surgery for surgical prophylaxis and the treatment of spinal infections.

Purpose: This article aims to review principles of antibiotic stewardship, evidence-based guidelines for surgical prophylaxis and ways to optimize antibiotics use in the treatment of spinal infections.

Methods: A narrative review of several society guidelines and spine surgery literature was conducted.

Results: Antibiotic stewardship in spine surgery requires multidisciplinary investment and consistent evaluation of antibiotic use for drug selection, dose, duration, drug-route, and de-escalation. Developing effective surgical prophylaxis regimens is a key strategy in reducing the burden of antibiotic resistance. For treatment of primary spinal infection, the diagnostic work-up is vital in tailoring effective antibiotic therapy. The future of antibiotics in spine surgery will be highly influenced by improving surgical technique and evidence regarding the role of bacteria in the pathogenesis of degenerative spinal pathology.

Conclusions: Incorporating evidence-based guidelines into regular practice will serve to limit the development of resistance while preventing morbidity from spinal infection. Further research should be conducted to provide more evidence for surgical site infection prevention and treatment of spinal infections.