Infections following spine surgery are rare but may occur even with good sterile technique and antibiotics. The most common symptoms of an infection include a dramatic increase in pain, swelling, fever, redness or drainage from you incision(s). It is not unusual for some patients to develop a bump underneath their incision. This is from soft tissue swelling and/or a small fluid collection beneath the skin. This is not from an infection and will typically resorb by 6-12 weeks following surgery. If you are concerned about an infection, please contact us at (425) 823-4000.