Bilateral paraspinal muscle flap closure technique for reduction of wound complications from posterior thoracolumbar spinal fusion: results of a series of 716 patients

Abstract

Prophylactic muscle flap closure significantly lowers the rate of SSI in patients undergoing thoracolumbar spinal fusion who harbor risk factors for wound complications, with even fewer infections seen than in a group of patients without similar risk factors. Given the success of the technique, consideration of wider use for thoracolumbar fusion cases, even those without a high level of complexity, may be warranted.