Spinal infection: an evolving clinical and public health challenge

Abstract

Objective Anecdotal and international evidence suggests an increasing incidence of spinal infection. Our primary aim was to assess the changing incidence and referral patterns for spinal infection at a quaternary public hospital neurosurgery unit. Our secondary aim was to analyze the clinical characteristics and service requirements of this patient population. Methods Data spanning 2013–2022 was derived from patient records at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, a quaternary public hospital and one of five adult public neurosurgical units in the state of Victoria, Australia. Logistic and negative binomial regression was used to examine trends. Results Across the investigation period, 771 referrals..