We implement a prospective, randomized, unblinded, non-inferiority trial regarding the duration of systemic, targeted antibiotic therapy after the first surgical debridement for spine infection; randomizing 1:1 between
1. Six and twelve weeks of antibiotic therapy if there is an implant left in place 2. Three and six weeks of antibiotic therapy if there is no implant left
Spine surgery and intraoperative debridement with any technique
At least 12 months of scheduled follow-up from hospitalization
Bacterial spine infection of any nature, independently of implants or co-morbidities
Mycobacterial, fungal, nocardial, and Actinomyces infections in the spine
Non-resected cancer in the infection site
Bone marrow or recent solid organ transplant patient (Recent: <5 years)
Any other infection in the patient requiring more than 6 weeks of antibiotic therapy