Predictors of Admission to Post–Acute Rehabilitation Following Multi-Level Spinal Decompression and Fusion Surgery and Its Associated Outcomes

Objective: To investigate predictive factors and outcomes in those admitted to post–acute rehabilitation (PAR) versus those that discharged home following multi-level spinal decompression and fusion surgery. Methods: Retrospective case review study of adults that underwent multi-level spinal decompression and fusion surgery between 2016 and 2022 at an academic institution. Preoperative, perioperative, postoperative, and outcomes variables were compared between those discharged home versus PAR. Finally, multiple logistic regression was used to determine factors contributing to PAR admission. Results: Of 241 total patients, 89 (37%) discharged home and 152 (63%) discharged to PAR. Among home discharge patients, 45.9% used an assistive device, while among PAR patients, 61.5% used 1 (P = 0.041). Mean pre-operative Oswestry Disability Index score was significantly lower in the home discharge group compared to the PAR discharge group (40.3 vs. 45.3 respectively, P = 0.044). Females were 2.43 times more likely to be discharged to PAR compared to males (95% CI: 1.06, 5.54, P = 0.04). Patients with a mood disorder had 2.81 times higher odds of being discharged to PAR compared to those without (95% CI: 1.20, 6.60, P = 0.02). Other variables evaluated were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Female sex and presence of a mood disorder increase the likelihood to PAR discharge following multi-level spinal decompression surgery.