Factors Predisposing Patients to Nonhome Discharge After Surgery for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: A Retrospective Analysis

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate factors associated with discharge to subacute care after surgery for degenerative cervical myelopathy.

Design: This is a retrospective chart review of adults who underwent cervical spine surgery for degenerative cervical myelopathy between 2014 and 2020 ( N = 135).

Results: Patients discharged to a subacute setting were older (68.1 ± 8.6 vs. 64.1 yrs ± 8.8, P = 0.01), more likely to be unmarried (55.8% vs. 33.7% married, P = 0.01), and more likely to have Medicare or Medicaid (83.7% vs. 65.9% private insurance, P = 0.03) than patients discharged home. A posterior surgical approach was associated with discharge to a subacute setting (62.8% vs. 43.5% anterior approach, P = 0.04). A total of 87.8% of patients discharged to a subacute setting required moderate or maximum assistance for bed mobility versus 26.6% of patients discharged home ( P < 0.0001). Compared with patients discharged home, patients discharged to a subacute setting ambulated a shorter distance in their first physical therapy evaluation after surgery (8.9 ± 35.8 vs. 53.7 ± 61.78 m in the home discharge group, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions: Analysis of these factors may guide discussions about patient expectations for postoperative discharge placement.