While every effort should be made by the spine surgeon to prevent infection during spinal surgery, from time to time an unfortunate patient as well as the surgeon has to face the dreaded complication of postoperative spondylodiscitis. Improving the general condition of the patient preoperatively may help to prevent or reduce the rate of infection and it is prudent to postpone elective surgery where possible and optimize the general health of the patient before surgery. Counseling of patient and family members is important, so is consultation with microbiologists and pain management specialists. Prompt diagnosis assisted by MRI, treatment with intravenous antibiotics, corsets, rest and where necessary surgical intervention will eventually lead to a satisfactory outcome.