Age-Related Differences In Length Of Stays, Hospitalization Costs, And Outcomes For An Injury-Matched Sample Of Adults With Paraplegia

Abstract

Using a matched block design procedure, older patients are discharged with lower levels of functional independence and show lower levels of improvement despite longer rehabilitation stays when compared with younger patients. Older patients' neurological recovery appears equivocal to younger patients' recovery. In contrast to findings with a matched tetraplegia sample, older and younger patients with paraplegia are discharged to private residences at similar rates.