Higgins M, et al. - Authors reviewed the effect of introducing a Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) screening programme, along with established Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) screening, on the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) following lumbar spine surgery. Nonetheless, wound infection following lumbar spinal surgery remained a rare event, MSSA colonisation was common. In this patient group, findings suggested a significant reduction in the incidence of SSIs by a screening programme for MSSA. Applicability of these findings to wider elective orthopaedic practice was suggested.