Dynamic stabilization: a nidus for infection?
Our series demonstrates that the infection rate in patients undergoing dynamic stabilization is higher than the infection rate for instrumented fusion without a significant difference in comorbidity scores. We postulate that the polycarbonate urethane spacer acts as a medium for bacteria, whereas the titanium screws and rods are smooth, solid, and inert, resulting in a lower risk of infection.
Residents frequently encountered new clinical questions in the outpatient clinic, but infrequently answered them. Efforts to demonstrate the feasibility of timely searches, remind them of their questions, and reinforce the exigency (educational if not clinical) of all questions may reclaim missed opportunities for self-directed learning.