Keywords
lumbar disc herniation
spinal infection
lifestyle-related risk factors
How to Cite
Abstract
Background: Postoperative spondylodiscitis is a rare but serious complication after lumbar disc herniation surgery, with incidence varying between 0.2–4%. It is mainly related to intraoperative contamination and host-related risk factors. This study aimed to evaluate demographic variables, lifestyle-related factors, and clinical outcomes in patients diagnosed with postoperative spondylodiscitis.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study on 85 patients treated between 2018 and 2024 in a tertiary care centre. Clinical and paraclinical data were collected, including demographic characteristics, residence, lifestyle-related risk factors, discectomy level, complications, treatment type, motor deficit, and hospitalisation duration. Statistical analyses were performed using ?² and Student’s t-tests, with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: Complications were observed in 24 patients (28.2%), predominantly at the lumbar level. Age, sex, and residence showed no significant associations with complication status (p > 0.05). In contrast, lifestyle-related factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and poor hygiene were significantly correlated with complications (?² test, p < 0.05). Patients with complications had longer hospital stays (23.25 vs. 12.66 days, p < 0.05). Abscesses were the most frequent complication, followed by epiduritis. The presence of complications was significantly associated with motor deficits (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: While demographic factors did not influence outcomes, lifestyle-related risk factors and surgical treatment were associated with increased complications and prolonged hospitalisation. Early identification of high-risk patients and aggressive management of abscess formation remain essential to reduce morbidity.
Keywords: postoperative spondylodiscitis, lumbar disc herniation, spinal infection, complications, lifestyle risk factors, hospitalisation, motor deficit.
Abbreviations: N = number of patients; p = p-value; r = Pearson correlation factor; SD = standard deviation; t-test = Student’s t-test; ?² = Chi-square test.
