17-year-delayed fistula formation after elective spinal instrumentation : a case report

Abstract EN

Introduction : A late-developing infection after an uneventful initial spinal instrumentation procedure is rare.

Delayed infection and new fistula formation have been reported from a few months to 13 years.

Here we report an unusual 17-year-delayed fistula formation after primary spinal instrumentation.

The patient underwent hardware removal surgery with antibiotic therapy as a definitive treatment.

Case Presentation : Here we report an unusual 17-year delayed fistula formation after primary spinal instrumentation due to spinal trauma.

He was admitted to Ghaem General Hospital, a chief referral center, Mashhad, North-East of Iran in August 2014.

The patient underwent hardware removal surgery with antibiotic therapy as a definitive treatment.

Conclusions : Late inflammation may occur around spinal instruments and results in cutaneous fistula formation.

After oral or intravenous antibiotic treatment, total device extraction is the cornerstone of treatment.