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Study cites risk factors for and readmission rates of anterior cervical fusion in older patients
According to study results, the 30-day unplanned readmission rate in elderly patients who underwent anterior cervical fusion was low, with hematoma/seroma formation being the most frequent surgical reason for readmission.
Researchers used Medicare data in this retrospective data base review to identify 45,248 patients (aged 65 years or older) who underwent one-level to two-level anterior cervical fusion and 12,103 patients underwent three levels or more of anterior cervical fusion for cervical spondylosis. At 30 days, 90 days and 1-year postoperatively, investigators determined the indications for readmission and readmission rates. Investigators also determined the risk factors for medical readmissions, surgical readmissions and 30-day readmissions.
Results showed within 30 days, 90 days and 1-year postoperatively, the readmission rates were 1% to 1.4%, 2.7% to 3.6% and 13.2% to 14.1%, respectively. Investigators noted hematoma/seroma was the most frequent surgical indication for 30-day readmission. Predictive factors for all-cause readmission after 30 days postoperatively included smoking, male gender, diabetes, chronic pulmonary disease and obesity. – by Monica Jaramillo
Disclosures: Puvanesarajah reports no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the full study for a list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.