Debridement of the spine

Debridement of the spine is a surgical procedure that is usually done when infection is present and, occasionally, after a traumatic injury to bone.

During this procedure, infected and damaged or dead bone is removed. The affected area is then cleaned with a sterile solution containing antibiotics. When large portions of bone or entire vertebrae must be removed to control infection, spinal fusion (arthrodesis) may be performed to stabilize the spine.

Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH	Last Updated: February 6, 2008
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Robert B. Keller, MD - Orthopedics
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