ObjectiveTo evaluate risk factors for surgical site infection(SSI) in patients with thoracolumbar fracture, and provide basis for making prevention and control measures.MethodsPatients with thoracolumbar fractures operation in the department of spinal surgery of a hospital between January 2010 and March 2015 were monitored through information monitoring system, onsite visit, and telephone followup, incidence of SSI was investigated, risk factors were performed univariate analysis.ResultsA total of 326 patients undergoing thoracolumbar fracture operation were monitored, 15(4.60% ) had SSI. SSI were high in patients≥60 years old, underwent operation at nonlaminar air flow operation room, didn’t receive antimicrobial prophylaxis 30 minutes prior to operation, preoperative hospital stay >3 days, operation duration >3 hours, as well as with diabetes mellitus and chronic respiratory disease （all P＜0.01）.ConclusionRisk factors for SSI in patients undergoing thoracolumbar fractures operation were patients with older age, receive operation at nonlaminar air flow operation room, didn’t receive antimicrobial prophylaxis, long length of preoperative hospital stay and operation duration, as well as combined with diabetes mellitus and chronic respiratory disease, preventive measures should be taken to reduce the incidence of infection.