Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 28, 2026
Full-Endoscopic Transforaminal Approach for Lumbar Discectomy
Published on: September 8, 2023
Predicting discharge placement and health care needs after lumbar spine laminectomy
Saddam F Kanaan1, Hung-Wen Yeh, Russell L Waitman
1Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Mailstop 2002, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS 66160, USA. Tel 913-588-4566, fax 913-588-4568. nsharma@kumc.edu.
Objective:
To explore factors associated with discharge placement (DP) and need for skilled assistance after patients are discharged from hospital following lumbar laminectomy.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis of 339 patients who underwent lumbar laminectomy was conducted. We used multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify significant covariates and to construct two regression models: a primary model to predict DP, home vs inpatient rehabilitation/skilled nursing facility (IR/SNF), and a secondary model to predict the need for skilled assistance once patients are discharged to home.
Results:
The sample included 48.7% females, 68.2% married, 56.3% independent in daily activities, and 85.2% discharged to home. Subjects were a mean 56.06 ± 12.75 years old and had a BMI of 31.35 ± 6.2. Of those discharged to home, 17.7% needed skilled assistance. Patients stayed 4.41 ± 3.55 days in the hospital and walked 203.38 ± 144.87 ft during hospital stay. Age, distance walked during hospital stay, and length of hospital stay (LOS) were significant positive predictors for discharge to home vs IR/SNF, whereas single living status, diminished prior level of function, and longer LOS were predictors of need for skilled assistance after discharge to home.
Conclusion:
Age, mobility, marital status, prior level of function, and LOS are key variables in determining healthcare needs following lumbar laminectomy.
