A new study published in The Spine Journal examines risk factors for adult spinal deformity surgery.
The researchers examined the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database for adult spinal deformity patients who underwent surgery from 2011 to 2013. The patients were identified using common deformity CPT codes. There were 727 adult patients identified for the study.
Here are five things to know:
1. There were 56 patients — 7.5 percent — readmitted within 30 days after surgery.
2. The most common reasons for readmission were:
• Infection: 11
• Hematoma or seroma formation: Five
• Postoperative pain: Three
3. The male patients and patients who reported pulmonary embolism before discharge were more likely to experience a readmission. Independent risk factors for readmission included:
• Obesity
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Pulmonary embolism
• Total or partial dependent preoperative functional health status.
4. The factors that weren't associated with increased readmissions include age, smoking and resident involvement during surgery.
5. The researchers concluded the readmission rate for adult scoliosis surgical patients is a quality indicator and suggest physicians follow-up with patients who are at risk for infection.