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Chinese Journal of Geriatric Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation(Electronic Edition) ›› 2026, Vol. 12 ›› Issue (01): 3-14. doi: 10.3877/cma.j.issn.2096-0263.2026.01.002

• Postoperative Infection • Previous Articles    

The value of preoperative high-sensitivity c-reactive protein to lymphocyte ratio in predicting surgical site infection following degenerative lumbar spine surgery

Chengsi Li1,2,3, Xin Xing1,2,3, Zhongzheng Wang1,2,3, Yuchuan Wang1,2,3, Xiaodong Cheng1,2,3, Dongzheng Li1,2,3, Wei Chen1,2,3, Yingze Zhang1,2,3, Qi Zhang1,2,3,()   

  1. 1Orthopedic Research Institution of Hebei Province
    2Key Laboratory of Biomechanics of Hebei Province
    3Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050051, China
  • Received:2025-11-11 Online:2026-02-05 Published:2026-03-30
  • Contact: Qi Zhang

Abstract:

Objective

To explore the link between preoperative high-sensitivity C-reactive protein to lymphocyte ratio (hs-CLR) and surgical site infection (SSI) following surgery for degenerative lumbar conditions, and to assess hs-CLR's potential as an inflammatory indicator for prediction.

Methods

We retrospectively gathered data from 1, 338 patients who had elective lumbar surgery for degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis or spondylolisthesis from 2020 to 2024 at our facility. This included demographics, comorbidities, preoperative lab tests (such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP] and lymphocyte count), and perioperative details. SSI was identified using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, with follow-up lasting at least 12 months. Treating hs-CLR as a continuous factor, we built a restricted cubic spline model in multivariable logistic regression to map the dose-response between hs-CLR and SSI, identifying the turning point. Patients were grouped into low-hs-CLR (<2.40) and high-hs-CLR (≥2.40). We used 1: 1 propensity score matching (PSM) to even out preoperative baselines. Multivariable logistic models were set up for the unmatched group, and conditional ones for the matched, to check the standalone connection between high hs-CLR and SSI.

Results

SSI rate in the group was 3.6% (48/1, 338). Compared to those without SSI, SSI cases showed notably higher BMI, ESR, hs-CRP, FBG, and hs-CLR (all P<0.05). Spline analysis revealed a clear overall tie between preoperative hs-CLR and SSI risk, with a nearly straight upward trend. Using 2.40 as cutoff, unmatched high-hs-CLR had higher SSI odds, with adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 1.96 (95% CI: 1.07, 3.61). After PSM yielding 386 pairs, high-hs-CLR risk rose further, aOR 3.53 (95% CI: 1.37, 9.08). ROC showed hs-CLR AUC at 0.722, better than CALLY (0.689), CAR (0.678), and NLR (0.547).

Conclusions

Elevated preoperative hs-CLR links strongly to SSI risk post-degenerative lumbar surgery and stands as an independent predictor even after adjusting for standard risks and surgical elements. Calculated from routine preoperative labs, hs-CLR offers a simple tool for risk layering and tailored care in lumbar surgery patients.

Key words: Lumbar surgery, Surgical site infection, High-sensitivity C-reactive protein to lymphocyte ratio, Systemic inflammation, Predictive factors

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