Spine surgery infection breakthrough? vancomycin powder tested in new trial

NCT ID NCT03839914

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether placing vancomycin powder directly into the wound during spine surgery can prevent infections in high-risk patients, such as those with spinal deformities or tumors. Half of the 76 adult participants will receive the powder, while the other half will not. The goal is to see if this simple addition reduces surgical site infections without causing serious side effects.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

vancomycin powder

What this could lead to

If it works, this could provide a simple, cost-effective way to lower infection rates after high-risk spine surgery.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage trial with only 76 participants. The results may not apply to all patients, and there is a risk of side effects like kidney problems or antibiotic resistance.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

injury spinal cord cancer spinal cord neoplasm spinal injury Surgical Wound Infection

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Queen Mary Hospital

    Hong Kong, Hong Kong