Early mobilization can reduce the incidence of surgical site infections in patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery: A nested case-control study.

BACKGROUND:To examine the influence of early mobilization on the risk of surgical site infections (SSI) in patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery. METHODS:The retrospective cohort consisted of all consecutive patients who underwent spinal fusion surgery at our institution. For each case of SSI, 2 control patients without SSI at the corresponding index date were selected. Mobilization was predefined as "delayed" if it occurred more than 36 hours postoperatively. To account for potential confounding variables, we performed further adjustments using conditional logistic regression models. Subgroup analyses were conducted to evaluate the robustness of the statistical associations. RESULTS:Following the predefined statistical protocol and matching criteria, we matched 236 control cases to the SSI cases. Upon adjustment for confounding factors, our findings revealed that the risk of SSI was 120% higher in the group beginning mobilization more than 36 hours after surgery compared to the group beginning mobilization within 36 hours postoperatively (odds ratio = 2.206, 95% confidence interval 1.169-4.166, P = .015). In subgroup analyses, this statistical trend remained consistent. CONCLUSIONS:Early mobilization within 36 hours following spinal fusion surgery significantly reduces the risk of SSI. This pattern of reduced risk remains consistent among patients with degenerative diseases or spinal deformities.