Can a sprinkle of antibiotic powder stop spine surgery infections?

NCT ID NCT04017468

Completed Prevention Sponsor: Insel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Aug 05, 2026 · Last updated Aug 06, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial tests whether placing vancomycin powder under the skin before closing a spinal fusion incision can reduce surgical site infections, which occur in up to 12% of such surgeries. Adults undergoing open spinal fusion will be randomly assigned to receive either the standard care or the antibiotic powder. The study will track infection rates, complications, and the need for follow-up surgeries.

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 applied above the muscle layer before wound closure
What this could lead to: If effective, this simple, low-cost approach could significantly reduce painful and costly infections after spinal fusion surgery, improving recovery and reducing hospital stays.
What could go wrong: This is a Phase 2 trial, so results are uncertain. Risks include potential allergic reactions, development of vancomycin-resistant bacteria, or no significant benefit over standard care.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Surgical Wound Infection

As listed by the trial registrant

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

SURGICAL SITE INFECTION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Kantonsspital St. Gallen

Sankt Gallen, Canton of St. Gallen, 9007, Switzerland
Klinik St. Anna

Lucerne, 6006, Switzerland
Lindenhofspital Bern

Bern, 3012, Switzerland
Spitalzentrum Biel

Biel, 2501, Switzerland
University Hospital Zurich, Department of Neurosurgery

Zurich, 8091, Switzerland
University Hostpital Bern, Department of Neurosurgery

Bern, 3010, Switzerland
University Hostpital Bern, Department of orthopaedy

Bern, 3010, Switzerland

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