Authors
Stephan Kurz, Oliver Habich, Katja Brauer, Frederik Wilhelm Schneckmann
Published in
European geriatric medicine. Sep 05, 2026. Epub Sep 05, 2026.
Abstract
To evaluate functional outcomes and discharge destination after specialized inpatient rehabilitation in patients aged > 75 years with spinal cord injury (SCI).
This retrospective single-center cohort study included 160 patients aged ≥ 60 years who completed inpatient SCI rehabilitation at the specialized SCI unit of BG Trauma Center Frankfurt, Germany (2010-2025). Patients were grouped into 60-75 and > 75 years. Functional status was assessed using the Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) at admission and discharge. Outcomes included discharge destination, functional gain (ΔSCIM), in-hospital complications, and medication at discharge.
The mean age was 67 ± 5 years in the 60-75-year group and 80 ± 4 years in the > 75-year group; 75.0% and 64.1% were male, respectively. At discharge, 68.8% of patients aged > 75 years returned home compared with 81.3% of those aged 60-75 years. Only 7.8% of patients aged > 75 years were discharged home without nursing support. SCIM scores were lower in the > 75-year group (27 ± 18 vs. 40 ± 24; p = .003), as were functional gains (ΔSCIM: 12 ± 13 vs. 20 ± 19; p = .004). Baseline neurological status and in-hospital mortality (6.3% vs. 4.2%; p = .554) did not differ significantly between groups.
Most patients aged > 75 years were discharged home despite lower functional gains. Advanced age alone should not be considered a barrier to specialized inpatient rehabilitation. Early discharge planning and adequate post-acute support are essential to facilitate supported community discharge and reduce institutionalization.
PMID:
42698063
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 05 Sep 2026.
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