A new study published in The Spine Journal examines predictors of adult spinal deformity surgical patient discharge and associated costs.
Study authors examined 1,978 patients who underwent lumbar adult spinal deformity corrective surgery with data gathered in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. The patients were diagnosed with scoliosis over the age of 18. Here are five things to know.
1. The average length of stay was 6.58 days after surgery and the independent predictors of adverse events were:
• Age over 60 years
• Female sex
2. Patients who were reliant on another person for daily living activities were more likely to have adverse discharge disposition, in addition to those who underwent Smith-Petersen osteotomy, interbody device placement and fixation to the iliac.
3. The most common complications associated with the adverse discharges were blood transfusions and urinary tract infections.
4. The 30-day cost of care was $21,061 more expensive when the patient was discharged to a rehab facility instead of home.
5. The 90-day cost of care was $23,815 in rehab discharges and there wasn't a significant difference in costs for skilled nursing facility discharges.