Noninfectious Skin Fistulization as a Delayed Complication of Lumbar Interlaminar Device Implantation: A Report of Two Cases

Abstract

Introduction. Delayed wound healing is one reason for readmission after spine surgery. The main cause of delayed wound healing is infection. Infection rates after initial instrumented spine surgery reportedly range from 0.7% to 11.9%. However, there are noninfectious reasons for wound problems as well. Materials and Methods. This report presents 2 cases of noninfectious fistulization, 1 which occurred 11 months and 1 which occurred 2 years after surgery for implantation of a lumbar interlaminar device. Results. Although no sign of infection was found in either patient, in both cases it was necessary to remove the interlaminar device. Conclusions. These 2 cases of delayed noninfectious fistulization following instrumented spine surgery are the first seen by the authors of the current report, and as of the time of this writing, no such cases have been documented in the medical literature.