Objective To understand the current status of discharge readiness in patients with thoracolumbar vertebral fractures undergoing kyphoplasty (PKP), and to analyze the mediating effect of purposive rumination on the relationship between family care and discharge readiness in patients with thoracolumbar vertebral fractures undergoing PKP.

Method A total of 133 patients with thoracolumbar vertebral fractures were selected as the research subjects. A questionnaire survey was conducted using the General Situation Questionnaire, Ruminative Contemplation Questionnaire (C-ERRI), Family Care Index Scale (APGAR), and Discharge Preparation Scale (RHDS). Pearson analysis was used to investigate the correlation between purposive ruminative contemplation, family care, and discharge preparation. Amos software was used to establish a structural equation model (SEM) and conduct mediation effect tests.

Result The discharge readiness score for patients with thoracolumbar vertebral fractures undergoing PKP was (77.65 ± 9.65) points, the family care score was (7.25 ± 1.12) points, and the rumination score was (30.42 ± 4.75) points. Age, educational level, medical burden, and ease of seeking medical attention after discharge were factors that affect the discharge readiness of patients with thoracolumbar fractures undergoing PKP (P ＜ 0.05 to P ＜ 0.01). There was a positive correlation (P ＜ 0.05) between discharge readiness, family care, and purposeful rumination. Purposeful rumination in PKP patients with thoracolumbar fractures had a mediating effect of 24.14% between family care and discharge readiness.

Conclusions The mediating effect of purposive rumination on the relationship between family care and discharge readiness is established. Family care can regulate the level of rumination in patients and affect discharge readiness.