During revision spinal surgery for aseptic indications, there remains a concern that the failure may have resulted from undetectable subclinical infection. In the common revision indications of hardware loosening and adjacent segment disease it is possible that bacterial colonization and low-grade infection precipitated the failure event. There is also significant controversy on the role infectious processes have in the development of degenerative disc disease (modic changes). In particular, this study will investigate whether discogenic colonization with Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) can be associated with modic changes. Whereas, in surgery for known spinal infection, epidural abscess and septic revisions, it is possible that standard culture techniques fail to detect polymicrobial flora or accurate speciation. This may lead to inappropriate antibiotic management that is not addressing the range of pathology present. There remains an incomplete understanding of the role that subclinical infection plays in aseptic spinal revision surgery and degenerative disc disease
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
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The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Postoperative complications
Timeframe: 1 year
Patient Satisfaction
Timeframe: 1 year
Patient pain
Timeframe: 1 year