Laminectomies, Spinal Fusions, Demographics, and Socioeconomics

The models and analyses used in this study represent an important step in the continued search for the optimum use of surgery for the treatment of lower back pain. The Likelihood of patients who are hospitalized with lower back pain in Massachusetts receiving either laminectomies or spinal fusions or both was increased when any of the following demographic, socioeconomic, or medical characteristics were present: white, male, well insured, young, routine admission, admitted to a medium-sized hospital, admitted to a teaching hospital, admitted to a hospital with a high occupancy rate, and discharged home.