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Study Design. A retrospective review of data collected prospectively by the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP).

Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between preoperative hypoalbuminemia, a marker for malnutrition, and complications during the 30 days following posterior lumbar fusion surgery.

Summary of Background Data. Malnutrition is a potentially modifiable risk factor that may contribute to complications following spinal surgery. Although prior studies have identified associations between malnutrition, delayed wound healing, and surgical site infection (SSI), the evidence for such a relationship within spine surgery is mixed.

Methods. Patients who underwent posterior lumbar spinal fusion of one to three levels as part of the ACS-NSQIP were identified. Patients without preoperative serum albumin concentration were excluded …