Factors associated with poorer outcomes for posterior lumbar decompression and or/or discectomy: an exploratory analysis of administrative data

This study aimed to identify factors associated with poorer patient outcomes for lumbar decompression and/or discectomy (PLDD).

We extracted data from the Hospital Episodes Statistics database for the 5 years from 1st April 2014 to 31st March 2019. Patients undergoing an elective one- or two-level PLDD aged ≥ 17 years and without evidence of revision surgery during the index stay were included. The primary patient outcome measure was readmission within 90 days post-discharge.

Data for 93,813 PLDDs across 111 hospital trusts were analysed. For the primary outcome, greater age [< 40 years vs 70–79 years odds ratio (OR) 1.28 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14 to 1.42), < 40 years vs ≥ 80 years OR 2.01 (95% CI 1.76–2.30)], female sex [OR 1.09 (95% CI 1.02–1.16)], surgery over two spinal levels [OR 1.16 (95% CI 1.06–1.26)] and the comorbidities chronic pulmonary disease, connective tissue disease, liver disease, diabetes, hemi/paraplegia, renal disease and cancer were all associated with emergency readmission within 90 days. Other outcomes studied had a similar pattern of associations.

A high-throughput PLDD pathway will not be suitable for all patients. Extra care should be taken for patients aged ≥ 70 years, females, patients undergoing surgery over two spinal levels and those with specific comorbidities or generalised frailty.