2. Rationale: Surgical site infection (SSI) is a morbid complication with high cost in management of surgical spine patients. In this era of healthcare reforms, adjuvant therapies that not only improve quality, but also decrease cost, are considered of highest value. Despite the use of prophylactic systemic antibiotics and improved surgical technique, surgical site infections remain a serious perioperative concern. In comparison to systemic antibiotics, local delivery of antibiotics is attractive because high concentrations are achieved directly at these sites and systemic toxicity is limited.