Readmission rates of back pain patients after primarily conservative inpatient treatment at a university hospital

Background The number of patients receiving inpatient treatment for back pain is increasing, as the current structures of outpatient care cannot meet the demand adequately. Although the infrastructure of the maximum care provider ensures possible emergency care and imaging procedures on the one hand, it is not geared to providing replacement services for outpatient care on the other. Objectives Analysis of the readmission rates of primarily conservatively treated inpatients with back pain. Materials and methods In this retrospective study, the recovery rate of patients with back pain who were admitted as emergency inpatients and treated primarily conservatively as inpatients was investigated within 6 months at a university orthopaedic clinic. The study period was 2 years with a follow-up of 6 months. 413 patients were evaluated. Results After primarily conservative therapy, 17.9% of the patients were readmitted to hospital. It took 25 (±33.25) days until the first readmission and 25.9 (±31.99) days until the second readmission. Pensioners were admitted to hospital significantly more often but were treated mainly conservatively during their stays; 66.8% of the presentations were emergencies without referral. Conclusions Readmission after primarily conservative inpatient treatment is relatively high. In most cases, the return of the patient to outpatient care can be achieved by tight management with a rapid diagnostic procedure and targeted aftercare strategies. The patient may return to outpatient care for surgical treatment or, unplanned, due to failed conservative, outpatient treatment.