The Use of Diluted Povidone Iodine Irrigation in Spine Surgery

Post-operative infections in spine surgery have been extensively investigated in the literature. These investigations focus on the efficacy of using peri-operative antibiotics, Povidone Iodine skin preparations, the effects of shaving around the surgical sit, and the use of intra-operative diluted Povidone Iodine wound irrigation in preventing post-operative infections.

Povidone-iodine is a complex of polyvinyl pyrrolidine and tri-iodine ions widely used as an antiseptic agent. It has bactericidal activity against a wide spectrum of pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The safety of its use intra-operatively has been evaluated in animal studies and also supported through Randomized Controlled Trials in spinal surgery and in other surgical subspecialties.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of the intra-operative use of diluted Povidone Iodine solution in reducing post-operative infections when used for irrigating surgical incisions during spinal surgery compared with 0.9% Sodium Chloride Irrigation Solution (i.e. normal saline solution).

The primary outcome measure will be seen as a reduction in the number of post-operative infections. As a result and although not directly measured, it is suspected that a reduction in post-operative infections may result in quicker healing with fewer complications and pain.