A matched-control study on the impact of depressive disorders following lumbar fusion for adult spinal deformity: an analysis of a nationwide administrative database

Purpose In recent years, depression rates have been on the rise, resulting in soaring mental health issues globally. There is paucity of literature about the impact of depression on lumbar fusion for adult spine deformity. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether patients with depressive disorders undergoing lumbar deformity fusion have higher rates of (1) in-hospital length of stay; (2) ninety-day medical and surgical complications; and (3) medical reimbursement. Methods A retrospective study was performed using a nationwide administrative claims database from January 2007 to December 2015 for patients undergoing lumbar fusion for spine deformity. Study participants with depressive disorders were selected and matched to controls by adjusting for sex, age, and comorbidities. In total, the query yielded 3706 patients, with 1286 who were experiencing symptoms of depressive disorders, and 2420 who served as the control cohort. Results The study revealed that patients with depressive disorders had significantly higher in-hospital length of stay (6.0 days vs. 5.0 days, p < 0.0001) compared to controls. Study group patients also had higher incidence and odds of ninety-day medical and surgical complications (10.2% vs. 5.0%; OR, 2.50; 95% CI, 2.16–2.89; p < .0001). Moreover, patients with depressive disorders had significantly higher episode of care reimbursement ($54,539.2 vs. $51,645.2, p < 0.0001). Conclusion This study illustrated that even after controlling for factors such as sex, age, and comorbidities, patients with depressive disorders had higher rates of in-hospital length of stay, medical and surgical complications, and total reimbursement.