Rubel N, et al. - Via a secondary analysis of a large administrative database of 169,788 patients who underwent a primary lumbar spine procedure, the experts intended to recognize the incidence and cause of 90-day readmissions following primary elective lumbar spine surgery and to grant insight into potential risk factors that contribute to these readmissions and to calculate the cost associated with these readmissions. No difference in comorbidity burden among cohorts (readmitted vs. not readmitted) as quantified by the Elixhauser Comorbidity index could be ascertained. Anemia, uncomplicated diabetes and diabetes with chronic complications, surgical wound disruption, and acute myocardial infarction at the time of the index admission, self-pay status, and an anterior surgical approach were independent predictors of amplified odds of 90-day readmission. The primary relevant cause of readmission was the implant complications. Also, readmissions were related to a marked cost elevation. Hence, of primary lumbar spine surgery, clearly identifiable risk determinants that boost the odds of hospital readmission within 90 days were recognized. Furthermore, to both the patient and the hospital, an overall 90-day readmission rate of 2.5%, however relatively low, carried significantly increased cost.