The risk factors of poor wound healing (PWH) in spinal tuberculosis (STB) patients are investigated.

• This retrospective study included a total of 232 STB patients who had undergone debridement surgery.

• PWH was observed in 30 of the 232 patients.

• Following are identified as independent risk factors for PWH following surgery for STB: pulmonary tuberculosis, long operation time and low postoperative albumin level.

• Researchers support making efforts to cure pulmonary tuberculosis, control operation time and supervise postoperative serum albumin to lower the risk of PWH among STB patients.