Differences in Perioperative Outcomes and Complications Between African American and White Patients After Total Joint Arthroplasty

Variation in Demographics, Hospital, and Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Total Hip Arthroplasty According to Biological Sex

BACKGROUND

The effect of biological sex on the outcomes of total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains unclear. Accounting for biological sex in research is crucial for reproducibility and accuracy. Average combined data may mask sex-related variation and obscure clinically relevant differences in outcomes. The aim of this study is to investigate hospital and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) after THA by biological sex to elucidate differences and ultimately provide more equitable care.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of patients undergoing primary THA at a single large academic center between January 2013 and August 2020. Demographics, operative variables, hospital outcomes, and PROMs were compared between men and women patients. The PROMs included preoperative, 6-weeks, 6-months, and 1-year Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, Visual Analog Scale, Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Joint Replacement, University of California, Los Angeles, and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System mental and physical scores, as well as satisfaction scores.

RESULTS

A total of 6,418 patients were included (55% women). Women were older (P < .001), had a lower body mass index (P < .001), and were more likely to have public insurance (P < .001). Fewer women were discharged to home or self-care (P < .001). Women had higher rates of cementation (P < .001) and fracture within 90 days (P < .001), and these associations remained significant with adjusted multivariable analyses. Women had significantly higher pain and lower functional scores preoperatively; postoperatively, most PROMs were equivalent.

CONCLUSIONS

Important differences were observed in several areas. Demographic parameters differed, and a variable effect of biological sex was observed on surgical and hospital outcomes. Women had an increased incidence of cemented femoral components (indicated for osteoporotic bone) and postoperative fractures. Women's PROMs demonstrated globally lower functional scores and higher pain preoperatively. Differences attributed to sex should continue to be investigated and accounted for in risk-stratification models. Future studies are needed to elucidate the underlying causes of observed biological sex differences and are essential for equitable arthroplasty care.

Neighborhood Deprivation and Association With Medical Complications, Emergency Department Use, and Readmissions in Shoulder Arthroplasty Patients

Background

Social determinants of health are prognostic indicators for patients undergoing orthopedic procedures.

Purpose

Using the area deprivation index (ADI), a validated, weighted index of material deprivation and poverty (a 0%-to-100% scale, with higher percentages indicating greater disadvantage), we sought to evaluate whether there are associations in shoulder arthroplasty patients between higher ADI and rates of (1) medical complications, (2) emergency department (ED) utilizations, (3) readmissions, and (4) costs.

Methods

We queried the PearlDiver nationwide database for patients who had undergone primary shoulder arthroplasty from 2010 to 2020. Patients from regions associated with high ADI (95%+) were 1:1 propensity matched to a comparison group by age, sex, and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index. This yielded 49,440 patients in total. Outcomes included 90-day complications, ED utilizations, readmissions, and costs. Logistic regression models computed odds ratios (ORs) of ADI on the dependent variables. P values of < .05 were significant.

Results

Patients from high ADI regions showed higher rates and odds of complications than those in the comparison group (10.84% vs 9.45%; OR: 1.10), including acute kidney injuries (1.73% vs 1.38%; OR: 1.23), urinary tract infections (3.19% vs 2.80%; OR: 1.13), and respiratory failures (0.49% vs 0.33%; OR: 1.44), but not increased ED visits (2.66% vs 2.71%; OR: 0.99) or readmissions (3.07% vs 2.96%; OR: 1.03). Patients from high ADI regions incurred higher costs on day of surgery ($8251 vs $7337) and at 90 days ($10,999 vs $9752).

Conclusions

This 10-year retrospective database study found that patients from high ADI regions undergoing primary shoulder arthroplasty had increased rates of all 90-day medical complications, suggesting that measures of social determinants of health could inform health care policy and improve post-discharge care in these patients.

Effect of Race and Socioeconomic Status on the Attainment of Substantial Clinical Benefit on Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Following Total Joint Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Utilization of and access to total joint arthroplasty (TJA) are disproportionately skewed in patients who have low socioeconomic status (SES) and in minority populations. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are critical markers of post-surgical outcomes following TJA. This study aimed to: 1) evaluate differences in race, SES, and demographic factors between TJA patients who achieved substantial clinical benefit (SCB) and those who did not; 2) assess differences between preoperative PROMs in these patients; and 3) identify whether race and SES are associated with SCB achievement at 1-year post-TJA.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 1,154 total hip arthroplasty (THA) and 1,879 total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients who underwent surgery at a single academic medical center from May 2019 to February 2023. Preoperative and postoperative PROMs were collected using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement and Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement surveys. Demographic and comorbidity data were collected from charts. Multivariable logistic regression analyzed the association between predictive variables and SCB achievement.

RESULTS

No differences in race were found between patients who achieved SCB and those who did not for both TKA and THA (P > 0.05). However, preoperative Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement scores were lower in Black (P = 0.004) and Hispanic (P < 0.001) patients and preoperative Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement scores were lower in Black patients (P < 0.001) than White patients. A higher proportion of patients in the lowest income category achieved SCB for both THA and TKA than those in other income categories (P = 0.04, P = 0.03, respectively). However, race was not associated with SCB likelihood at one year. For TKA patients, men were negative, and bilateral simultaneous TKA was positively associated with SCB achievement when controlling for race, income, and body mass index (P < 0.001, P = 0.01, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Race and income category were not significantly associated with achieving SCB at one year among TJA patients. However, non-White patients had a similar likelihood of achieving SCB as White patients, even with lower preoperative PROMs, indicating that these patients may benefit greatly from TJA despite delays in care. Men were negatively associated with TKA SCB achievement, while bilateral simultaneous TKA was positively associated with SCB.

A Higher Area Deprivation Index Is Associated With Increased Medical Complications and Emergency Department Utilizations After Total Hip Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

The Area Deprivation Index (ADI) is a weighted index comprised of 17 census-based markers of material deprivation and poverty. The purpose of this study was to determine whether patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) in areas of high ADI (greater disadvantage) were associated with differences in 90 days: 1) medical complications; 2) emergency department (ED) utilizations; and 3) readmissions.

METHODS

A nationwide database was queried for primary THA patients from 2010 to 2020. The ADI is reported on a scale of 0 to 100, with higher numbers indicating greater disadvantage. Patients undergoing primary THA in regions associated with high ADI (90%+) were compared to those of lower ADI (0 to 89%). A total of 138,670 patients were evenly matched between the two cohorts following 1:1 propensity score matching by age, sex, and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index. Primary endpoints were 90-day medical complications, ED utilizations, and readmissions. Multivariable logistic regression models calculated the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). P values less than 0.01 were statistically significant.

RESULTS

Patients undergoing THA from high ADI had significantly higher rates and odds of developing any medical complications (13.0 versus 11.9%; OR: 1.09, P < 0.0001), including acute kidney injuries (1.8 versus 1.5%; OR: 1.20, P < 0.0001), myocardial infarctions (0.35 versus 0.24%; OR: 1.45, P = 0.0003), and surgical site infections (0.94 versus 0.76%; OR: 1.23, P = 0.0004). High-ADI patients had significantly higher rates and odds of ED visits within 90 days (3.94 versus 3.67%; OR: 1.08, P = 0.008). There was no significant difference in readmissions (5.44 versus 5.69%; OR: 0.95, P = 0.034).

CONCLUSIONS

Socioeconomically disadvantaged patients have increased odds of 90-days medical complications and ED utilizations, despite comparable 90-day readmission rates. Measures of neighborhood disadvantage may be valuable metrics to inform health care policy and improve postdischarge care.

A Nationwide Analysis of the Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Complications and Health Care Utilizations After Total Knee Arthroplasty Using the Area Deprivation Index: Consideration of the Disadvantaged Patient

BACKGROUND

Socioeconomic status has been demonstrated to be an important prognostic risk factor among patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty. We evaluated patients living near neighborhoods with higher socioeconomic risk undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and if they were associated with differences in the following: (1) medical complications; (2) emergency department (ED) utilizations; (3) readmissions; and (4) costs of care.

METHODS

A query of a national database from 2010 to 2020 was performed for primary TKAs. The Area Deprivation Index (ADI) is a weighted index comprised of 17 census-based markers of material deprivation and poverty. Higher numbers indicate a greater disadvantage. Patients undergoing TKA in zip codes associated with high ADI (90%+) were 1:1 propensity-matched to a comparison group by age, sex, and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index. This yielded 225,038 total patients, evenly matched between cohorts. Outcomes studied included complications, ED utilizations, readmission rates, and 90-day costs. Logistic regression models computed the odds ratios (OR) of ADI on the dependent variables. P values less than .003 were significant.

RESULTS

High ADI led to higher rates and odds of any medical complications (11.7 versus 11.0%; OR: 1.05, P = .0006), respiratory failures (0.4 versus 0.3%; OR: 1.28, P = .001), and acute kidney injuries (1.7 versus 1.5%; OR: 1.15, P < .0001). Despite lower readmission rates (2.9 versus 3.5%), high ADI patients had greater 90-day ED visits (4.2 versus 4.0%; OR: 1.07, P = .0008). The 90-day expenditures ($15,066 versus $12,459; P < .0001) were higher in patients who have a high ADI.

CONCLUSIONS

Socioeconomically disadvantaged patients have increased complications and ED utilizations. Neighborhood disadvantage may inform health care policy and improve postdischarge care. The socioeconomic status metrics, including ADI (which captures community effects), should be used to adequately risk-adjust or risk-stratify patients so that access to care for deprived regions and patients is not lost.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Treatment of race and ethnicity in shoulder and elbow research: An analysis of the most cited papers on rotator cuff repair

Background

This study examined the current approach to the inclusion of race and ethnicity among frequently referenced shoulder surgery literature and discussed guidance for best practices for the inclusion of race and ethnicity in shoulder research.

Methods

The shoulder literature were systematically reviewed for the most frequently cited studies discussing rotator cuff repair, total shoulder arthroplasty, and Bankart repair. All reviewed studies met the timeline criteria (2013-2022). Only studies with clinical outcomes were included. Review articles, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, basic science studies, or any manuscript that did not represent clinical outcomes research were excluded. Author, year issued, the journal in which the paper was published, study design, the number of subjects, duration of follow-up, independent variables, dependent variables, results, and conclusions were extracted from the articles that met the inclusion criteria. Whether race and/or ethnicity were included in the study design in any way was also recorded. For those studies in which race and ethnicity were included, a detailed analysis of the paper's treatment of race using the JAMA Updated Guidance on Reporting of Race and Ethnicity in Medical and Science Journals was performed and recorded.

Results

In the "rotator cuff repair" cohort of papers, there were 2 articles that mention race. Out of the 2 articles that mentioned race, neither included race appropriately using the JAMA Updated Guidance on Reporting of Race and Ethnicity in Medical and Science Journals. In the "Bankart repair" cohort of papers, each article lacked the mention of race among their patient population. The "total shoulder arthroplasty" manuscripts also did not include treatment of race and ethnicity in any way.

Discussion

Race and ethnicity and other social determinants of health can be used to understand the source of healthcare disparities. Unless a thoughtful and deliberate consideration of race and ethnicity is undertaken, their inclusion in clinical research can be a double-edged sword due to the potential race and ethnicity-centered treatment involvement can be rooted in fallacies. In shoulder surgery clinical research, race and ethnicity should be considered in concert with social factors that could exacerbate poor patient outcomes in our patient population.

Level of evidence

Level V.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Two Decades of Research

Racial disparities in outcomes following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remain persistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to comprehensively synthesize data between 2000-2020. An electronic search of studies was performed on PubMed, SCOPUS, and the Cochrane Library databases from January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2020. Random effects models were used to report unadjusted and adjusted estimates for a comprehensive list of care outcomes in TKA. 63 studies met PRISMA criteria. Black patients report greater odds of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR]: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.00-1.59 (p = 0.049); adjusted OR [aOR]: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.09-1.64), in-hospital complications (OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.27-1.35), 30-day complications (aOR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.07-1.33), infection (OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.07-1.16; aOR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.16-1.46), bleeding (OR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.03-1.71; aOR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.23-1.75), peripheral vascular events (PVE) (aOR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.11-1.92), length of stay (LOS) (OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.08-1.34), extended-LOS (aOR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.53-2.33), discharge disposition (OR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.29-1.96; aOR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.70-2.25), 30-day (OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.13-1.27; aOR: 1.17 95% CI: 1.09-1.26) and 90-day (OR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.17-1.82) readmission compared to White patients. Disparities in bleeding, extended-LOS, discharge disposition, PVE, and 30-day readmission were observed in Asian patients. Hispanic patients experienced disparities in extended LOS and discharge disposition, while Native-American patients had disparities in bleeding outcomes. Persistent racial disparities in TKA outcomes highlight a need for standardized outcome measures and comprehensive data collection across multiple racial groups to ensure greater healthy equity.

Racial Disparities in Treatment and Outcomes of Patients With Hepatitis C Undergoing Elective Total Joint Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

African Americans have the highest prevalence of chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Racial disparities in outcome are observed after elective total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study sought to identify if disparities in treatments and outcomes exist between Black and White patients who have HCV prior to elective THA and TKA.

METHODS

Patient demographics, comorbidities, HCV characteristics, perioperative variables, in-hospital outcomes, and postoperative complications at 1-year follow-up were collected and compared between the 2 races. Patients who have preoperative positive viral load (PVL) and undetectable viral load were identified. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare categorical variables, while 2-tailed Student's Kruskal-Wallis t-tests were used for continuous variables. A P value of less than .05 was statistically significant.

RESULTS

The liver function parameters, including aspartate aminotransferase and model for end-stage liver disease scores, were all higher preoperatively in Black patients undergoing THA (P = .01; P < .001) and TKA (P = .03; P = .003), respectively. Black patients were more likely to undergo THA (65.8% versus 35.6%; P = .002) and TKA (72.1% versus 37.3%; 0.009) without receiving prior treatment for HCV. Consequently, Black patients had higher rates of preoperative PVL compared to White patients in both THA (66% versus 38%, P = .006) and TKA (72% versus 37%, P < .001) groups. Black patients had a longer length of stay for both THA (3.7 versus 3.3; P = .008) and TKA (4.1 versus 3.0; P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

The HCV treatment prior to THA and TKA with undetectable viral load has been shown to be a key factor in mitigating postoperative complications, including joint infection. We noted that Black patients were more likely to undergo joint arthroplasty who did not receive treatment and with a PVL. While PVL rates decreased over time for both races, a significant gap persists for Black patients.

Are social determinants of health associated with an increased length of hospitalization after revision total hip and knee arthroplasty? A comparison study of social deprivation indices

INTRODUCTION

Length of stay (LOS) has been extensively assessed as a marker for healthcare utilization, functional outcomes, and cost of care for patients undergoing arthroplasty. The notable patient-to-patient variation in LOS following revision hip and knee total joint arthroplasty (TJA) suggests a potential opportunity to reduce preventable discharge delays. Previous studies investigated the impact of social determinants of health (SDoH) on orthopaedic conditions and outcomes using deprivation indices with inconsistent findings. The aim of the study is to compare the association of three publicly available national indices of social deprivation with prolonged LOS in revision TJA patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

1,047 consecutive patients who underwent a revision TJA were included in this retrospective study. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and behavioral characteristics were extracted. Area deprivation index (ADI), social deprivation index (SDI), and social vulnerability index (SVI) were recorded for each patient, following which univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the relationship between deprivation measures and prolonged LOS (greater than five days postoperatively).

RESULTS

193 patients had a prolonged LOS following surgery. Categorical ADI was significantly associated with prolonged LOS following surgery (OR = 2.14; 95% CI = 1.30-3.54; p = 0.003). No association with LOS was found using SDI and SVI. When accounting for other covariates, only ASA scores (ORrange=3.43-3.45; p < 0.001) and age (ORrange=1.00-1.03; prange=0.025-0.049) were independently associated with prolonged LOS.

CONCLUSION

The varying relationship observed between the length of stay and socioeconomic markers in this study indicates that the selection of a deprivation index could significantly impact the outcomes when investigating the association between socioeconomic deprivation and clinical outcomes. These results suggest that ADI is a potential metric of social determinants of health that is applicable both clinically and in future policies related to hospital stays including bundled payment plan following revision TJA.

Examining racial disparities in utilization rate and perioperative outcomes following knee and hip arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Previous arthroplasty utilization research predominantly examined Black and White populations within the US. This is the first known study to examine utilization and complications in poorly studied minority racial groups such as Asians and Native Hawaiian/Pacific-Islanders (NHPI) as compared to Whites.

RESULTS

Data from 3304 primary total hip and knee arthroplasty patients (2011 to 2019) were retrospectively collected, involving 1789 Asians (52.2%), 1164 Whites (34%) and 320 Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders (NHPI) (9.3%). The 2012 arthroplasty utilization rates for Asian, White, and NHPI increased by 32.5%, 11.2%, and 86.5%, respectively, by 2019. Compared to Asians, Whites more often underwent hip arthroplasty compared to knee arthroplasty (odds ratio (OR) 1.755; p < 0.001). Compared to Asians, Whites and NHPI more often received total knee compared to unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (White: OR 1.499; NHPI: OR 2.013; p < 0.001). White patients had longer hospitalizations (2.66 days) compared to Asians (2.19 days) (p = 0.005) following bilateral procedures. Medicare was the most common insurance for Asians (66.2%) and Whites (54.2%) while private insurance was most common for NHPI (49.4%). Compared to Asians, economic status was higher for Whites (White OR 0.695; p < 0.001) but lower for NHPI (OR 1.456; p < 0.001). After controlling for bilateral procedures, NHPI had a lower risk of transfusion compared to Asians (OR 0.478; p < 0.001) and Whites had increased risk of wound or systemic complications compared to Asians (OR 2.086; p = 0.045).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite NHPI demonstrating a significantly poorer health profile and lower socioeconomic status, contrary to previous literature involving minority racial groups, no significant overall differences in arthroplasty utilization rates or perioperative complications could be demonstrated amongst the racial groups examined.

Are There Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Management and Outcomes of Surgically Treated Distal Radius Fractures?

BACKGROUND

Racial/ethnic disparities have been demonstrated across multiple orthopedic sub-specialties. There is a paucity of literature examining disparities in distal radius fracture (DRF) management.

METHODS

Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, we analyzed 15 559 non-Hispanic (NH) White, NH Black, NH Asian, and Hispanic adults who underwent open reduction and internal fixation for DRF from 2013 to 2019. We evaluated time from hospital admission to surgery and length of stay using Poisson regression. Deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism (PE), and wound complications were reported using descriptive statistics. Thirty-day reoperation and readmission were analyzed using binary logistic regression.

RESULTS

Wait time to surgery was longer for Hispanic patients than NH White patients (incidence rate ratio [IRR]: 2.54, P < .001); this narrowed over time (IRR: 0.944, P = .047). Length of stay was longer for NH Black (IRR: 1.78, P < .001) and Hispanic patients (IRR: 1.83, P < .001), but shorter for NH Asian (IRR: 0.715, P = .019) than NH White patients; this temporally narrowed for NH Black patients (IRR: 0.908, P = .001). Deep venous thrombosis, PE, and wound complications occurred at a rate less than 0.30% across all groups. Hispanic patients were less likely to undergo reoperation than NH White patients (odds ratio [OR]: 0.254, P = .003). While there was no difference in readmission between groups in the aggregated study period, NH Black patients experienced a temporal increase in readmissions relative to NH White patients (OR: 1.40, P = .038).

CONCLUSIONS

Racial and ethnic disparities exist in DRF management. Further investigation on causes for and solutions to combat these disparities in DRF care may help improve the inequities observed.

Are We Moving in the Right Direction? Demographic and Outcome Trends in Same-day Total Hip Arthroplasty From 2015 to 2020

INTRODUCTION

Understanding the trends among patients undergoing same-day discharge (SDD) total hip arthroplasty (THA) is imperative to highlight the progression of outpatient surgery and the criteria used for enrollment. The purpose of this study was to identify trends in demographic characteristics and outcomes among patients who participated in an academic hospital SDD THA program over 6 years.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all patients who enrolled in our institution's SDD THA program from January 2015 to October 2020. Patient demographics, failure-to-launch rate, as well as readmission and revision rates were evaluated. Trends for continuous variables were analyzed using analysis of variance, and categorical variables were analyzed using chi-square tests.

RESULTS

In total, 1,334 patients participated in our SDD THA program between 2015 and 2020. Age (54.82 to 57.94 years; P < 0.001) and mean Charlson Comorbidity Index (2.15 to 2.90; P < 0.001) significantly differed over the 6-year period. More African Americans (4.3 to 12.3%; P = 0.003) and American Society of Anesthesiology class III (3.2% to 5.8%; P < 0.001) patients enrolled in the program over time. Sex ( P = 0.069), BMI ( P = 0.081), marital status ( P = 0.069), and smoking status ( P = 0.186) did not statistically differ. Although the failure-to-launch rate (0.0% to 12.0%; P < 0.001) increased over time, the 90-day readmissions ( P = 0.204) and 90-day revisions ( P = 0.110) did not statistically differ.

CONCLUSION

More African Americans, older aged individuals, and patients with higher preexisting comorbidity burden enrolled in the program over this period. Our findings are a reflection of a more inclusive selection criterion for participation in the SDD THA program. These results highlight the potential increase in the number of patients and surgeons interested in SDD THA, which is paramount in the current incentivized and value-based healthcare environment.

LEVEL EVIDENCE

III, Retrospective Review.

Social vulnerability adversely affects emergency-department utilization but not patient-reported outcomes after total joint arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION

Multiple studies demonstrate social deprivation is associated with inferior outcomes after total hip (THA) and total knee (TKA) arthroplasty; its effect on patient-reported outcomes is debated. The primary objective of this study evaluated the relationship between social vulnerability and the PROMIS-PF measure in patients undergoing THA and TKA. A secondary aim compared social vulnerability between patients who required increased resource utilization or experienced complications and those who didn't.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of 537 patients from March 2020 to February 2022 was performed. The Centers for Disease Control Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) were used to quantify socioeconomic disadvantage. The cohort was split into THA and TKA populations; univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate primary and secondary outcomes. Statistical significance was assessed at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

48.6% of patients achieved PROMIS-PF MCID at 1-year postoperatively. Higher levels of overall social vulnerability (0.40 vs. 0.28, p = 0.03) were observed in TKA patients returning to the ED within 90-days of discharge. Increased overall SVI (OR = 9.18, p = 0.027) and household characteristics SVI (OR = 9.57, p = 0.015) were independent risk factors for 90-day ED returns after TKA. In THA patients, increased vulnerability in the household type and transportation dimension was observed in patients requiring 90-day ED returns (0.51 vs. 0.37, p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

Despite an increased risk for 90-day ED returns, patients with increased social vulnerability still obtain good 1-year functional outcomes. Initiatives seeking to mitigate the effect of social deprivation on TJA outcomes should aim to provide safe alternatives to ED care during early recovery.

Impact of Demographic Variables on Recovery After Total Hip Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Several patient factors affect recovery after total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, the impact of these variables on patient-reported outcome measure recovery curves following THA has not been defined. Our goal was to quantify the influence of multiple variables on recovery after primary THA.

METHODS

There were 1,724 patients in a multicenter study included. Variables included sex, race/ethnicity, anxiety/depression, body mass index, tobacco, and preoperative opioid use. The Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Score for Joint Replacement (HOOS JR) was recorded at multiple time points. Recovery curves were created using longitudinal estimating equations.

RESULTS

Patients who were women, obese, or smokers demonstrated lower HOOS JR scores at all time points. Preoperative opioid use was also correlated with lower HOOS JR scores, but this difference diminished after 6 months. Black patients demonstrated lower HOOS JR scores compared to Caucasians, and this relative difference increased out to 1-year postoperatively (P = .018). Hispanics also had lower HOOS JR scores, but scores recovered at similar rates compared to non-Hispanics. Patients who had only anxiety or depression had similar HOOS JR scores compared to patients who did not have anxiety or depression. However, patients who had both anxiety and depression had lower HOOS JR scores compared to patients who had neither (P = .049), and this relative difference became greater at 1-year postoperatively (P = .002).

CONCLUSIONS

Several factors including race/ethnicity, opioid use, and mental health influence recovery trajectory following THA. This information helps provide more individualized counseling about expectations after THA and focus targeted interventions to improve outcomes in at-risk groups.

Is There an Implicit Racial Bias in the Case Order of Elective Total Joint Arthroplasty?

INTRODUCTION

Identifying ways to improve equitable access to healthcare is of the utmost important. In this study, we analyzed whether patient race was negatively associated with surgical start times for total joint arthroplasties (TJA).

METHODS

The surgical case order and start times of all primary TJAs performed at a large academic medical center between May 2014 and May 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were included if > 21, had a documented self-reported race, and were operated on by an arthroplasty fellowship-trained surgeon. Operations were categorized as first-start, early (7:00 AM-11:00 AM), mid-day (11:00 AM-3:00 PM), or late (after 3:00 PM). Multivariable logistic regression (MLR) was performed, and odds ratios (OR) were calculated.

RESULTS

This study identified 1663 TJAs-871 total knee (TKA) and 792 total hip arthroplasties (THA) who met inclusion criteria. Overall, there was no association between race and surgical start time. Upon sub-analysis by surgical type, this held true for TKA patients, but self-identifying Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black patients undergoing THA were more likely to have later surgical start times (ORs: 2.08 and 1.88; p < 0.05).

DISCUSSION

Although there was no association between race and overall TJA surgical start times, patients with marginalized racial and ethnic identities were more likely to undergo elective THA later in the surgical day. Surgeons should be aware of potential implicit bias when determining case order to potentially prevent adverse outcomes due to staff fatigue or lack of proper resources later in the day.

Racial variations in complications and costs following total knee arthroplasty: a retrospective matched cohort study

INTRODUCTION

In this study, we evaluate how race corresponds to specific complications and costs following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Our hypothesis was that minority patients, comprising Black, Asian, and Hispanic patients, would have higher complication and revision rates and costs than White patients.

METHODS

Data from 2014 to 2016 were collected from a large commercial insurance database. TKA patients were assigned under Current Procedural Terminology (CPT-27447) and International Statistical Classification of Diseases (ICD-9-P-8154) codes. Minority patients were compared to White patients before and after matching for age, gender, and tobacco use, diabetes, and obesity comorbidities. Standardized complications, revisions, and total costs at 30 days, 90 days, and 1 year were compared between the groups using unequal variance t tests.

RESULTS

Overall, 140,601 White (92%), 10,247 Black (6.7%), 1072 Asian (0.67%), and 1725 Hispanic (1.1%) TKA patients were included. At baseline, minority patients had 7-10% longer lengths of stay (p = 0.0001) and Black and Hispanic patients had higher Charlson and Elixhauser comorbidity indices (p = 0.0001), while Asian patients had a lower Elixhauser comorbidity index (p < 0.0001). Black patients had significantly higher complication rates and higher rates of revision (p = 0.03). Minority patients were charged 10-32% more (p < 0.0001). Following matching, all minority patients had lengths of stay 8-10% longer (p = 0.001) and Black patients had higher Charlson and Elixhauser comorbidity indices (p < 0.0001) while Asian patients had a lower Elixhauser comorbidity index (p = 0.0008). Black patients had more equal complication rates and there was no significant difference in revisions in any minority cohort. All minority cohorts had significantly higher total costs at all time points, ranging from 9 to 31% (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Compared to White patients, Black patients had significantly increased rates of complications, along with greater total costs, but not revisions. Asian and Hispanic patients, however, did not have significant differences in complications or revisions yet still had higher costs. As a result, this study corroborates our hypothesis that Black patients have higher rates of complications and costs than White patients following total knee arthroplasty and recommends efforts be taken to tackle health inequities to create more fairness in healthcare. This same hypothesis, however, was not supported when evaluating Asian and Hispanic patients, probably because of the few patients included in the database and deserves further investigation.

Utilization of Total Joint Arthroplasty by Rural-Urban Designation in Patients With Osteoarthritis in a Universal Coverage System

BACKGROUND

Utilization of total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is affected by differences linked to sex, race, and socioeconomic status; there is little information about how geographic variation contributes to these differences. We sought to determine whether discrepancies in TJA utilization exist in patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis (OA) based upon urban-rural designation in a universal coverage system.

METHODS

We conducted a cohort study using data from a US-integrated healthcare system (2015 to 2019). Patients aged ≥50 years who had a diagnosis of hip or knee OA were included. Total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty utilization (in respective OA cohorts) was evaluated by urban-rural designation (urban, mid, and rural). Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for urban-rural regions were modeled using multivariable Poisson regressions.

RESULTS

The study cohort included 93,642 patients who have hip OA and 275,967 patients who had knee OA. In adjusted analysis, utilization of primary total hip arthroplasty was lower in patients living in urban areas (IRR = 0.87, 95% confidence interval = 0.81 to 0.94) compared to patients in rural regions. Similarly, total knee arthroplasty was used at a lower rate in urban areas (IRR = 0.88, 95% confidence interval = 0.82 to 0.95) compared with rural regions. We found no differences in the hip and knee groups within the mid-region.

CONCLUSIONS

In hip and knee OA patients enrolled in a universal coverage system, we found patients living in urban areas had lower TJA utilization compared to patients living in rural areas. Further research is needed to determine how patient location contributes to differences in elective TJA utilization.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Impact of Pre-operative Opioid Use on Racial Disparities in Adverse Outcomes Post Total Knee and Hip Arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION

The growing opioid epidemic in the USA has underlying racial disparities dimensions. Also, studies have shown that patients from minority racial groups are at higher risk of adverse events following major orthopedic surgery. The aim of our study was to determine whether pre-operative opioid-use disorders (OUDs) impacted racial disparities in the likelihood of patients experiencing adverse post-operative outcomes following TKA and THA.

METHODS

Data about patients undergoing TKA and THA were collected from the 2005-2014 National Inpatient Sample databases. Regression modeling was used to assess the impact of OUDs on odds of adverse outcomes comparing racial groups. The adverse outcomes included any in-hospital post-surgical complications, prolonged length of stay (LOS), and nonhome discharge.

RESULTS

In our fully adjusted regression models using White patients as the reference group, we found that OUDs were associated with racial disparities in prolonged LOS and nonhome discharge. In the non-OUD group, Black patients had significantly higher odds of longer LOS (OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.26-1.46, p-value: < 0.0001), whereas those with history of OUD had non-significantly lower odds of longer LOS (OR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.69-1.29, p-value: 0.71). Similarly, for the outcome of nonhome discharges, Black patients in the non-OUD group had significantly higher odds (OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.21-1.43, p-value: < 0.0001) and those with a history of OUD had non-significantly lower odds (OR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.64-1.29, p-value: 0.59).

CONCLUSIONS

Significant racial disparities are present in adverse events among patients in the non-OUD group, but those disparities attenuated in the OUD group.

Race Associated With Increased Complication Rates After Total Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Racial and ethnic disparities have been suggested to be associated with poor outcomes after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). While socioeconomic disadvantage has been studied, analyses of race as the primary variable are lacking. Therefore, we examined the potential differences between Black and White TKA recipients. Specifically, we assessed 30-day and 90-day, as well as 1 year: (1) emergency department visits and readmissions; (2) total complications; (3) as well as risk factors for total complications.

METHODS

A consecutive series of 1,641 primary TKAs from January 2015 to December 2021 at a tertiary health care system were reviewed. Patients were stratified according to race, Black (n = 1,003) and White (n = 638). Outcomes of interest were analyzed using bivariate Chi-square and multivariate regressions. Demographic variables such as sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, diabetes, congestive heart failure, chronic pulmonary disease, and socioeconomic status based on Area Deprivation Index were controlled for across all patients.

RESULTS

The unadjusted analyses found that Black patients had an increased likelihood of 30-day emergency department visits and readmissions (P < .001). However, in the adjusted analyses, Black race was demonstrated to be a risk factor for increased total complications at all-time points (P ≤ .0279). Area Deprivation Index was not a risk for cumulative complications at these time points (P ≥ .2455).

CONCLUSION

Black patients undergoing TKA may be at increased risk for complications with more risk factors including higher body mass index, tobacco use, substance abuse, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes and were thus, "sicker" initially than the White cohort. Surgeons are often treating these patients at the later stages of their diseases when risk factors are less modifiable, which necessitates a shift to early, preventable public health measures. While higher socioeconomic disadvantage has been associated with higher rates of complications, the results of this study suggest that race may play a greater role than previously thought.

Influence of Race on Utilization and Outcomes in Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Studies have shown that utilization and outcomes after shoulder arthroplasty vary by sociodemographic factors, highlighting disparities in care. This systematic review synthesized all available literature regarding the relationship between utilization and outcomes of shoulder arthroplasty and race/ethnicity.

METHODS

Studies were identified using PubMed, MEDLINE (through Ovid), and CINAHL databases. All English language studies of Level I through IV evidence that specifically evaluated utilization and/or outcomes of hemiarthroplasty, total shoulder arthroplasty, or reverse shoulder arthroplasty by race and/or ethnicity were included. Outcomes of interest included rates of utilization, readmission, reoperation, revision, and complications.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight studies met inclusion criteria. Since the 1990s, Black and Hispanic patients have demonstrated a lower utilization rate of shoulder arthroplasty compared with White patients. Although utilization has increased among all racial groups throughout the present decade, the rate of increase is greater for White patients. These differences persist in both low-volume and high-volume centers and are independent of insurance status. Compared with White patients, Black patients have a longer postoperative length of stay after shoulder arthroplasty, worse preoperative and postoperative range of motion, a higher likelihood of 90-day emergency department visits, and a higher rate of postoperative complications including venous thromboembolism, pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, acute renal failure, and sepsis. Patient-reported outcomes, including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon's score, did not differ between Black and White patients. Hispanics had a significantly lower revision risk compared with White patients. One-year mortality did not differ significantly between Asians, Black patients, White patients, and Hispanics.

CONCLUSION

Shoulder arthroplasty utilization and outcomes vary by race and ethnicity. These differences may be partly due to patient factors such as cultural beliefs, preoperative pathology, and access to care, as well as provider factors such as cultural competence and knowledge of health care disparities.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Complications and Costs Associated With Ethnicity Following Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Matched Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Minority patients often have greater numbers of complications, revisions, and costs after total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study investigates how race correlates with specific surgical complications, revisions, and total costs following THA both before and after propensity matching.

METHODS

Data from 2014-2016 were collected from a large commercial insurance database known as PearlDiver. THA patients were assigned under Current Procedural Terminology (CPT-27130) and International Statistical Classification of Diseases (ICD-9-P-8151) codes and then divided into groups based on racial status in the database. Patients of different ethnicities including White, Black, Asian, and Hispanic patients were compared in regard to age, gender, comorbidities, lengths of stay, and surgical complications and costs at thirty days, ninety days, and one year using unequal variance t-tests. Black, Asian, and Hispanic patients are collectively referred to as minority patients. Patient comparisons were done both before and after matching for age, gender, tobacco use, diabetes, and obesity comorbidities.

RESULTS

A total of 73,688 White (93%), 4,822 Black (6%), 268 Asian (0.3%), and 420 Hispanic (0.5%) THA patients were included. Significantly more minority patients underwent THA under the age of 65 and had higher comorbidity indices and lengths of stay. Black patients had significantly higher complication rates, but there was no significant difference in rates of revision in any minority group. Minority patients were charged 9%-83% more. After matching, Black and Hispanic patients maintained higher comorbidity indices and lengths of stay. Black patients had a spectrum of complication rates but significantly decreased revision rates. Furthermore, after matching, minority patients were charged 5%-65% more.

CONCLUSIONS

Black patients experienced significantly greater rates of complications and higher total costs; whereas, Asian and Hispanic patients did not have significant differences in complications but did have higher costs. Therefore, this study aligns with previous studies and supports our hypothesis that Black ethnicity patients have worse outcomes than White ethnicity patients after THA, advocating for reducing health disparities and establishing more equitable healthcare, but does not support our hypothesis for Asian and Hispanic patients, likely due to a small study population size, warranting further research into the topic.

Disparities in Hand Surgery Exist in Unexpected Populations

Background The purpose of our study is to investigate disparities in the patient populations and outcomes of carpal tunnel release (CTR) and trigger finger release (TFR).  Methods A retrospective review of 777 CTR and 395 TFR patients from May 2021 to August 2022 was completed. The shortened form of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores (QuickDASH) was recorded to evaluate physical function preoperatively and at one and three months postoperatively. This study was deemed institutional review board-exempt by the institutional clinical research committee. Results Compared to CTR, TFR patients resided in zip codes with higher levels of social vulnerability across dimensions of 'household composition and disability' (p=0.018) and 'minority status and language' (p=0.043). When analyzing QuickDASH scores by demographics and procedure, preoperative scores were statistically significantly higher for non-married (p=0.002), White (p=0.003), and female sex (p=0.001) CTR patients. Further, one-month postoperative scores were statistically higher for White and non-married CTR patients (0.016 and 0.015, respectively). At three months postoperatively, female and non-married patients had statistically significant higher scores (0.010 and 0.037, respectively). In TFR patients, one-month postoperative QuickDASH scores for White and female patients were statistically significantly higher (0.018 and 0.007, respectively). There were no significant differences in QuickDASH scores between rural and non-rural patients, household income (HHI) above or below the median, or the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) dimensions.  Conclusion Our study found marital status, sex, and race were associated with disparities in pre-and postoperative physical function in patients undergoing carpal tunnel or trigger finger release. However, future studies are warranted to confirm and develop solutions to disparities within this population.

Manipulation Following Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty is Associated With Increased Rates of Infection and Revision

BACKGROUND

Stiffness following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a disabling complication and manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) is often performed as an early intervention. Few studies have focused on the revision risk, infection risk, demographics, and clinical outcomes in Medicare patients undergoing MUA following primary TKA.

METHODS

We reviewed 142,440 patients who had primary TKA from a national database and identified 3,652 patients (2.6%) who underwent MUA. Patient demographics and comorbid conditions were evaluated to identify risk factors. Incidence of revision and periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) at 1-, 2-, and 5-year time points in a cohort of MUA patients was compared to patients who did not undergo MUA. Multivariate Cox regressions were used for statistical analyses.

RESULTS

The incidence of MUA was higher in Black versus White individuals (4.1 versus 2.5%, P < .001). Revision risk was significantly greater in the MUA group at 1-, 2-, and 5-year time points with a hazard ratio (HR) of, 3.81, 3.90, and 3.22 respectively, P < .001. One- and 2-year revision risk was significantly greater when MUA occurred at 6 to 12 months post-TKA when compared to <3 months, P < .05. Risk of PJI was significantly greater in the MUA group with a HR of 2.2, 2.2, and 2.1 at 1, 2, and 5 years, respectively P < .001.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of MUA was 2.6%. There was an increased incidence of revision surgery and PJI in patients undergoing MUA. Patients at increased risk for stiffness following TKA should be closely monitored and treated with early intervention to minimize risk of poor outcomes.

Patients Who Have Limited English Proficiency Have Decreased Utilization of Revision Surgeries After Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

While racial and ethnic disparities are well documented in access to total joint arthroplasty (TJA), little is known about the association between having limited English proficiency (LEP) and postoperative care access. This study seeks to correlate LEP status with rates of revision surgery after hip and knee arthroplasty.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients aged ≥ 18 years who underwent either total hip or total knee arthroplasty between January 2013 and December 2021 at a single academic medical center. The predictor variable was English proficiency status, where LEP was defined as having a primary language that was not English. Multivariable regressions controlling for potential demographic and clinical confounders were used to calculate adjusted odds ratios of undergoing revision surgery within 1 and 2 years after primary arthroplasty for patients who have LEP, compared to English proficient patients.

RESULTS

A total of 7,985 hip and knee arthroplasty surgeries were included in the analysis. There were 577 (7.2%) patients who were classified as having LEP. Patients who have LEP were less likely to undergo revision surgeries within 1 year (1.4% versus 3.2%, P = .01) and 2 years (1.7% versus 3.9%, P = .006) of primary TJA. Patients who have LEP had adjusted odds ratios of 0.45 (confidence interval: 0.22-0.92, P = .03) and 0.44 (confidence interval: 0.23-0.85, P = .01) of receiving revision surgery within 1 and 2 years, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Patients who have LEP, compared to English proficient patients, were less likely to undergo revision surgeries at the same institution up to 2 years after hip and knee arthroplasty. These findings suggest that patients who have LEP may face barriers in accessing postoperative care.

Are Neighborhood Characteristics Associated With Outcomes After THA and TKA? Findings From a Large Healthcare System Database

BACKGROUND

Non-White patients have higher rates of discharge to an extended care facility, hospital readmission, and emergency department use after primary THA and TKA. The reasons for this are unknown. Place of residence, which can vary by race, has been linked to poorer healthcare outcomes for people with many health conditions. However, the potential relationship between place of residence and disparities in these joint arthroplasty outcomes is unclear.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) Are neighborhood-level characteristics, including racial composition, marital proportions, residential vacancy, educational attainment, employment proportions, overall deprivation, access to medical care, and rurality associated with an increased risk of discharge to a facility, readmission, and emergency department use after elective THA and TKA? (2) Are the associations between neighborhood-level characteristics and discharge to a facility, readmission, and emergency department use the same among White and Black patients undergoing elective THA and TKA?

METHODS

Between 2007 and 2018, 34,008 records of elective primary THA or TKA for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or avascular necrosis in a regional healthcare system were identified. After exclusions for unicompartmental arthroplasty, bilateral surgery, concomitant procedures, inability to geocode a residential address, duplicate records, and deaths, 21,689 patients remained. Ninety-seven percent of patients in this cohort self-identified as either White or Black, so the remaining 659 patients were excluded due to small sample size. This left 21,030 total patients for analysis. Discharge destination, readmissions within 90 days of surgery, and emergency department visits within 90 days were identified. Each patient's street address was linked to neighborhood characteristics from the American Community Survey and Area Deprivation Index. A multilevel, multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to model each outcome of interest, controlling for clinical and individual sociodemographic factors and allowing for clustering at the neighborhood level. The models were then duplicated with the addition of neighborhood characteristics to determine the association between neighborhood-level factors and each outcome. The linear predictors from each of these models were used to determine the predicted risk of each outcome, with and without neighborhood characteristics, and divided into tenths. The change in predicted risk tenths based on the model containing neighborhood characteristics was compared to that without neighborhood characteristics.The change in predicted risk tenth for each outcome was stratified by race.

RESULTS

After controlling for age, sex, insurance type, surgery type, and comorbidities, we found that an increase of one SD of neighborhood unemployment (odds ratio 1.26 [95% confidence interval 1.17 to 1.36]; p < 0.001) was associated with an increased likelihood of discharge to a facility, whereas an increase of one SD in proportions of residents receiving public assistance (OR 0.92 [95% CI 0.86 to 0.98]; p = 0.008), living below the poverty level (OR 0.82 [95% CI 0.74 to 0.91]; p < 0.001), and being married (OR 0.80 [95% CI 0.71 to 0.89]; p < 0.001) was associated with a decreased likelihood of discharge to a facility. Residence in areas one SD above mean neighborhood unemployment (OR 1.12 [95% CI [1.04 to 1.21]; p = 0.002) was associated with increased rates of readmission. An increase of one SD in residents receiving food stamps (OR 0.83 [95% CI 0.75 to 093]; p = 0.001), being married (OR 0.89 [95% CI 0.80 to 0.99]; p = 0.03), and being older than 65 years (OR 0.93 [95% CI 0.88 to 0.98]; p = 0.01) was associated with a decreased likelihood of readmission. A one SD increase in the percentage of Black residents (OR 1.11 [95% CI 1.00 to 1.22]; p = 0.04) and unemployed residents (OR 1.15 [95% CI 1.05 to 1.26]; p = 0.003) was associated with a higher likelihood of emergency department use. Living in a medically underserved area (OR 0.82 [95% CI 0.68 to 0.97]; p = 0.02), a neighborhood one SD above the mean of individuals using food stamps (OR 0.81 [95% CI 0.70 to 0.93]; p = 0.004), and a neighborhood with an increasing percentage of individuals older than 65 years (OR 0.90 [95% CI 0.83 to 0.96]; p = 0.002) were associated with a lower likelihood of emergency department use. With the addition of neighborhood characteristics, the risk prediction tenths of the overall cohort remained the same in more than 50% of patients for all three outcomes of interest. When stratified by race, neighborhood characteristics increased the predicted risk for 55% of Black patients for readmission compared with 17% of White patients (p < 0.001). The predicted risk tenth increased for 60% of Black patients for emergency department use compared with 21% for White patients (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

These results can be used to identify high-risk patients who might benefit from preemptive interventions to avoid these particular outcomes and to create more realistic, comprehensive risk adjustment models for value-based care programs. Additionally, this study demonstrates that neighborhood characteristics are associated with greater risk for these outcomes among Black patients compared with White patients. Further studies should consider that race/ethnicity and neighborhood characteristics may not function independently from each other. Understanding this link between race and place of residence is essential for future racial disparities research.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic study.

Postacute Care Readmission and Resource Utilization in Patients From Socioeconomically Distressed Communities After Total Joint Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Racial and socioeconomic disparities have been associated with complications and poorer patient-reported outcomes after THA and TKA, but little is known regarding the variation of postacute care resource utilization based on socioeconomic difference in the communities in which patients reside. Hip and knee arthroplasty are among the most common elective orthopaedic procedures. Therefore, understanding social factors provides insight into patients at risk for readmission and the way in which these patients use other postoperative resources. This knowledge can help surgeons better understand which patients are at risk for complications or preventable readmissions and how to anticipate when additional surveillance or intervention might reduce this risk.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) Do patients from communities with a higher distress level experience higher rates of readmission after THA and TKA? (2) Do patients from distressed communities have increased postoperative resource utilization?

METHODS

Demographics, ZIP code of residence, and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) were recorded for each patient undergoing TKA or THA between 2016 and 2019 at two high-volume hospitals. Patients were classified according to the Distressed Communities Index (DCI) score of their ZIP code of residence. The DCI combines seven metrics of socioeconomic well-being (high school graduation, poverty rate, unemployment, housing vacancy, household income, change in employment, and change in establishment) to create a single score. ZIP codes are then classified by scores into five categories based on national quintiles (prosperous, comfortable, mid-tier, at-risk, and distressed). The DCI was chosen because it provides a single composite measure of multiple important socioeconomic factors. Multivariate analysis with logistic, negative binomial regression, or Poisson was used to investigate the association of DCI category with postoperative resource utilization while controlling forage, gender, BMI, and comorbidities. The primary outcome was 90-day readmissions. Secondary outcomes included postoperative medication prescriptions from the orthopaedic team, patient telephone calls to the surgeon's office, physical therapy sessions attended, follow-up office visits, and emergency department visits. A total of 5077 patients who underwent TKA (mean age 66 ± 9 years, 59% [2983 of 5077] are women, and 69% [3519 of 5077] are White), and 5299 who underwent THA (mean age 63 ± 11 years, 50% [2654 of 5299] are women, and 74% [3903 of 5299] are White) were included.

RESULTS

When adjusting for age, gender, race and CCI, readmission risk was higher in distressed communities compared with prosperous communities for patients undergoing TKA (odds ratio 1.6 [95% confidence interval 1.1 to 2.3]; p = 0.02) but not for THA. For secondary outcomes after TKA, at-risk communities had more postoperative prescriptions compared with prosperous communities, but no other differences were found. After THA, no major differences were found in the likelihood to utilize postoperative resources based on DCI category. Race was not associated with readmissions or resource utilization.

CONCLUSION

We found that socioeconomic distress was associated with readmission after TKA, but, after controlling for relevant confounding variables, race had no association. Patients from these communities do not demonstrate an increased or decreased use of other resources after post-TKA discharge. Increased awareness of these disparities may allow for closer monitoring and improved patient education and communication, with the goal of reducing the frequency of complications and preventable readmissions.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic study.

Disparities in Elective and Nonelective Total Hip Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Prior studies have shown disparities in utilization of primary and revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, little is known about patient population differences associated with elective and nonelective surgery. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore factors that influence primary utilization and revision risk of THA based on surgery indication.

METHODS

Data were obtained from 7,543 patients who had a primary THA from 2014 to 2020 in a database, which consists of multiple health partner systems in Louisiana and Texas. Of these patients, 602 patients (8%) underwent nonelective THA. THA was classified as "elective" or "nonelective" if the patient had a diagnosis of hip osteoarthritis or femoral neck fracture, respectively.

RESULTS

After multivariable logistic regression, nonelective THA was associated with alcohol dependence, lower body mass index (BMI), women, and increased age and number of comorbid conditions. No racial or ethnic differences were observed for the utilization of primary THA. Of the 262 patients who underwent revision surgery, patients who underwent THA for nonelective etiologies had an increased odds of revision within 3 years of primary THA (odds ratio (OR) = 1.66, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.06-2.58, P-value = .025). After multivariable logistic regression, patients who had tobacco usage (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.04-1.78, P-value = .024), alcohol dependence (aOR = 2.46, 95% CI = 1.45-4.15, P-value = .001), and public insurance (OR = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.18-3.70, P-value = .026) had an increased risk of reoperation.

CONCLUSION

Demographic and social factors impact the utilization of elective and nonelective primary THA and subsequent revision surgery. Orthopaedic surgeons should focus on preoperative counseling for tobacco and alcohol cessation as these are modifiable risk factors to directly decrease reoperation risk.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Total Joint Arthroplasty Care: A Contemporary Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is one of the most common surgical procedures in the United States; however, racial and ethnic disparities in utilizations and outcomes have been well documented. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated associations between race/ethnicity and several metrics in total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS

In August 2021, PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus databases were queried. Sixty three studies investigating racial/ethnic disparities in TJA utilizations, complications, mortalities, lengths of stay (LOS), discharge dispositions, readmissions, and reoperations were included. Study quality was assessed using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

RESULTS

A majority of studies demonstrated disparities in TJA utilizations and outcomes. Black patients exhibited higher rates of 30-day complications (THA odds ratio [OR] 1.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08-1.29; TKA OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.10-1.31), 30-day mortality (THA OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.08-1.48), prolonged LOS (THA mean difference [MD] +0.27 days, 95% CI 0.21-0.33; TKA MD +0.30 days, 95% CI 0.20-0.40), nonhome discharges (THA OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.37-1.57; TKA OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.38-1.96), and 30-day readmissions (THA OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.08-1.19; TKA OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.16-1.21) than White patients. Rates of complications (THA 1.18, 95% CI 1.03-1.36), prolonged LOS (TKA MD +0.20 days, 95% CI 0.17-0.23), and nonhome discharges (THA OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.10-1.45; TKA OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.22-1.53) were also increased among Hispanic patients, while Asian patients experienced longer LOS (TKA MD +0.09 days, 95% CI 0.05-0.12) but fewer readmissions. Outcomes among American Indian-Alaska Native and Pacific Islander patients were infrequently reported but similarly inequitable.

CONCLUSION

Racial and ethnic disparities in TJA utilizations and outcomes are apparent, with minority patients often demonstrating lower rates of utilizations and worse postoperative outcomes than White patients. Continued research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of recent efforts dedicated to eliminating inequalities in TJA care.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Racial Disparities in Outcomes of Total Joint Arthroplasty at a Single Institution: Have We Made Progress?

Background

Health disparities disproportionately affect minority groups across the United States with respect to care access, quality, and outcomes. The aim of this study is to examine existing disparities between white and African American (AA) patients regarding postoperative outcomes following total joint arthroplasty and provide insight into disparity trends over a 9-year period.

Methods

A retrospective review of 16,779 total joint arthroplasty patients at a single institution between January 2013 and December 2021 was performed. Patients were grouped by race as AA or white. Outcomes of interest included length of stay (LOS), home discharge, 30-day emergency department return, and 30-day readmission. Univariate statistics and multivariate regressions were utilized to analyze results.

Results

Significant improvements in LOS and rates of home discharge occurred for both white and AA patients at our institution over a 9-year period, while rates of 30-day emergency department returns and readmissions demonstrated a downward but non-statistically significant trend. Despite these trends, AA patients continued to experience longer lengths of stay, less likelihood of 0- or 1-day LOS, and higher risk of nonhome discharge for most years examined. However, after controlling for demographic and comorbidity differences, the differences between groups narrowed over time resulting in no significant differences in the aforementioned 3 measures by 2021.

Conclusions

Although racial disparities in outcomes are still apparent, over time, the differences in resource utilization between AA and white patients have narrowed. Initiatives aimed at creating healthier communities with increased access to care and the ultimate goal of equitable care must continue to be pursued.

Hemoglobinopathy is Associated With Total Hip Arthroplasty Indication Even Beyond Sickle Cell Anemia

Background

The extent to which hemoglobinopathies other than sickle anemia (HbSS) are associated with hip osteonecrosis is unknown. Sickle cell trait (HbS), hemoglobin SC (HbSC), and sickle/β-thalassemia (HbSβTh) may also predispose to osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). We sought to compare the distributions of indications for a total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with and without specific hemoglobinopathies.

Methods

PearlDiver, an administrative claims database, was used to identify 384,401 patients aged 18 years or older undergoing a THA not for fracture from 2010 to 2020, with patients grouped by diagnosis code (HbSS N = 210, HbSC N = 196, HbSβTh N = 129, HbS N = 356). β-Thalassemia minor (N = 142) acted as a negative control, and patients without hemoglobinopathy as a comparison group (N = 383,368). The proportion of patients with ONFH was compared to patients without it by hemoglobinopathy groups using chi-squared tests before and after matching on age, sex, Elixhauser Comorbidity Index, and tobacco use.

Results

The proportion of patients with ONFH as the indication for THA was higher among those with HbSS (59%, P < .001), HbSC (80%, P < .001), HbSβTh (77%, P < .001), and HbS (19%, P < .001) but not with β-thalassemia minor (9%, P = .6) than the proportion of patients without hemoglobinopathy (8%). After matching, the proportion of patients with ONFH remained higher among those with HbSS (59% vs 21%, P < .001), HbSC (80% vs 34%, P < .001), HbSβTh (77% vs 26%, P < .001), and HbS (19% vs 12%, P < .001).

Conclusions

Hemoglobinopathies beyond sickle cell anemia were strongly associated with having osteonecrosis as the indication for THA. Further research is needed to confirm whether this modifies THA outcomes.

Have all races experienced reductions in complication rates following total hip arthroplasty? A NSQIP analysis between 2011 and 2019

INTRODUCTION

Despite numerous articles in the orthopedic literature evaluating racial and ethnic disparities, inequalities in total joint arthroplasty outcomes remain. While the National Surgical Quality Improvement (NSQIP) database has been previously utilized to highlight these disparities, no previous analysis has evaluated how the rate of various perioperative complications has changed over recent years when segregating by patient race. Specifically, we evaluated if all races have experienced decreases in (1) medical complications, (2) wound complications, (3) venous thromboembolism (VTE), and (4) readmission/reoperation rates following total hip arthroplasty (THA) over recent years?

METHODS

Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code 27,130 (total hip arthroplasty) was utilized to identify all THA procedures conducted between 2011 and 2019. Patients were segregated according to race and various demographics were collected. Linear regression was utilized to evaluate changes in each complication rate between 2011 and 2019. A multivariate regression was then conducted for each complication to evaluate whether race independently was associated with each outcome.

RESULTS

Our analysis included a total of 212,091 patients undergoing primary THA. This included 182,681 (85.76%) White, 19,267 (9.04%) Black, 5928 (2.78%) Hispanic, and 4215 (1.98%) Asian patients. We found that for urinary tract infection (UTI), acute renal failure, superficial SSI, and readmission rates, White patients experienced significant reductions between 2011 and 2019. However, this was not consistent across all races. Black race was associated with a significantly increased risk of acute renal failure (OR: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.17-3.34; p = 0.008), renal insufficiency (OR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.62-3.28; p < 0.001), deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.07-1.66; p = 0.01), and pulmonary embolism (PE) (OR: 1.76, 95% CIL: 1.36-2.24; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our analysis highlights specific complications for which further interventions are necessary to reduce inequalities across races. These include medical optimization, increased patient education, and continued efforts at understanding how social factors may impact-related care inequalities. Future study is needed to evaluate specific interventions that can be applied at the health systems level to ensure all patients undergoing THA receive the highest quality of care regardless of race.

Language barriers and postoperative opioid prescription use after total knee arthroplasty

Background

Patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) face difficulties in access to postoperative follow-up care, including post-discharge medication refills. However, prior studies have not examined how utilization of prescription pain medications after discharge from joint replacement surgeries differs between English proficient (EP) and LEP patients.

Objective

This study explored the relationship between English language proficiency and opioid prescription refill requests after hospital discharge for total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

This was an observational cohort study of patients ≥18 years of age who underwent TKA between January 2015 and December 2019 at a single academic center. LEP status was defined as not having English as the primary language and requesting an interpreter. Primary outcome variables included opioid pain medication refill requests between 0 and 90 days from discharge. Multivariable logistic regression modeling calculated the odds ratios of requesting an opioid refill.

Results

A total of 2148 patients underwent TKA, and 9.8% had LEP. Postoperative pain levels and rates of prior opioid use did not differ between LEP and EP patients. LEP patients were less likely to request an opioid prescription refill within 30 days (35.3% vs 52.4%, p < 0.001), 60 days (48.7% vs 61.0%, p = 0.004), and 90 days (54.0% vs 62.9%, p = 0.041) after discharge. In multivariable analysis, LEP patients had an odds ratio of 0.61 of requesting an opioid refill (95% CI, 0.41–0.92, p = 0.019) within 30 days of discharge. Having Medicare insurance and longer lengths of hospitalization were correlated with lower odds of 0–30 days opioid refills, while prior opioid use and being discharged home were associated with higher odds of opioid refill requests 0–30 days after discharge for TKA.

Conclusions

Language barriers may contribute to poorer access to postoperative care, including prescription medication refills. Barriers to postoperative care may exist at multiple levels for LEP patients undergoing surgical procedures.

Evaluating Resource Utilization for In-Person and Virtual Joint Classes in Total Joint Arthroplasty: An Analysis of Attendance Patterns at a Large Metropolitan Health System

BACKGROUND

Provider-run "joint classes" educate total joint arthroplasty (TJA) patients on how to best prepare for surgery and maximize recovery. There is no research on potential healthcare inequities in the context of joint classes or on the impact of the recent shift toward telehealth due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Using data from a large metropolitan health system, we aimed to (1) identify demographic patterns in prepandemic joint class attendance and (2) understand the impact of telehealth on attendance.

METHODS

We included data on 3,090 TJA patients from three centers, each with a separately operated joint class. Attendance patterns were assessed prepandemic and after the resumption of elective surgeries when classes transitioned to telehealth. Statistical testing included standardized differences (SD > 0.1 indicates significance) and a multivariate linear regression.

RESULTS

The in-person and telehealth attendance rates were 69.9% and 69.2%, respectively. Joint class attendance was significantly higher for non-White, Hispanic, non-English primary language, Medicaid, and Medicare patients (all SD > 0.1). Age was a determinant of attendance for telehealth (SD > 0.1) but not for in-person (SD = 0.04). Contrastingly, physical distance from hospital was significant for in-person (SD > 0.1) but not for telehealth (SD = 0.06). On a multivariate analysis, distance from hospital (P < .05) and telehealth (P < .0001) were predictors of failed class attendance.

CONCLUSION

This work highlights the relative importance of joint classes in specific subgroups of patients. Although telehealth attendance was lower, telehealth alleviated barriers to access related to physical distance but increased barriers for older patients. These results can guide providers on preoperative education and the implementation of telehealth.

Racial Differences in Manipulation Under Anesthesia Rates Following Total Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Despite the extensive literature on racial disparities in care and outcomes after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), data on manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) is lacking. We aimed to determine (1) the relationship between race and rate of (and time to) MUA after TKA, and (2) annual trends in racial differences in MUA from 2013 to 2018.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study (using 2013-2018 Medicare Limited Data Set claims data) included 836,054 primary TKA patients. The primary outcome was MUA <1 year after TKA; time from TKA to MUA in days was also recorded. A mixed-effects multivariable model measured the association between race (White, Black, Other) and odds of MUA. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. A Cochran Armitage Trend test was conducted to assess MUA trends over time, stratified by race.

RESULTS

MUA after TKA occurred in 1.7%, 3.2% and 2.1% of White, Black, and Other race categories, respectively (SMD = 0.07). After adjustment for covariates, (Black vs White) patients had increased odds of requiring an MUA after TKA: odds ratio (OR) 1.97, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.86-2.10, P < .0001. Moreover, White (compared to Black) patients had significantly shorter time to MUA after TKA: 60 days (interquartile range [IQR] 46-88) versus 64 days (interquartile range [IQR] 47-96); P < .0001. These disparities persisted from 2013 through 2018.

CONCLUSION

Continued racial differences exist for rates and timing of MUA following TKA signifying the continued need for efforts aimed toward understanding and eliminating inequalities that exist in total joint arthroplasty (TJA) care.

The Significance of Race/Ethnicity and Income in Predicting Preoperative Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Utilization of total joint arthroplasty (TJA) by minorities is disproportionately low compared to Whites. Contributing factors include poorer outcomes, lower expectations, and decreased access to care. This study aimed to evaluate if race and income were predictive of preoperative patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and the likelihood of achieving the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) following TJA.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 1,371 patients who underwent primary TJA between January 2018 and March 2021 in a single healthcare system. Preoperative and postoperative PROM scores were collected for Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Mental Health, PROMIS Physical Function (PF10a), and either Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) or Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS). Demographic and comorbidity data were included as explanatory variables. Multivariable regression was used to analyze the association between predictive variables and PROM scores.

RESULTS

Mean preoperative PROM scores were lower for non-Whites compared to Whites. Increased median household income was associated with higher preoperative PROM scores. Non-White race was associated with lower PROMIS Mental Health and KOOS, but not PF10a or HOOS scores. Only non-White race was associated with a decreased likelihood of achieving MCID for PF10a. Neither race nor income was predictive of achieving MCID for KOOS and HOOS.

CONCLUSION

Non-White race/ethnicity and lower income were associated with lower preoperative PROMs prior to primary TJA. Continued research is necessary to identify the causes of this discrepancy and correct this disparity.

Enhanced Preoperative Education Pathways: A Step Toward Reducing Disparities in Total Joint Arthroplasty Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Patients with increased comorbidities, lower socioeconomic status, and African American (AA) race have been shown to be at increased risk for suboptimal outcomes after total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Despite the body of evidence highlighting these disparities, few interventions aimed at improving outcomes specifically in high-risk patients have been evaluated. This study evaluates the impact of an enhanced preoperative education pathway (EPrEP) on outcomes after TJA.

METHODS

All patients included underwent unilateral primary total hip or knee arthroplasty at a single institution from September 1, 2020 to September 31, 2021. This is a retrospective observational cohort study comparing demographics, comorbidities, and outcomes of patients treated through EPrEP with those receiving routine care. Subgroup analysis of outcome differences by race was performed.

RESULTS

In total, 1,716 patients were included in the study: 802 went through the EPrEP and 914 did not. EPrEP patients had a higher comorbidity burden as measured by the Charlson Comorbidity Index (3.54 ± 1.71 vs 3.25 ± 1.75, P < .001). After risk adjustment, there was no significant relationship among EPrEP utilization and length of stay, home discharge, or 30-day readmissions. However, EPrEP patients were less likely to return to the emergency department 30 days postoperatively (odds ratio 0.49, 95% confidence interval 0.27-0.86, P = .016). No significant differences in outcomes between AA and non-AA patients were observed.

CONCLUSION

High-risk patients receiving individualized nurse navigator counseling experienced similar outcomes to the broader patient population undergoing TJA. Implementation of EPrEPs may be an effective means of enhancing the equity of care quality across all patients undergoing TJA.

Racial Differences in Care and Outcomes After Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasties: Did the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement Program Make a Difference?

BACKGROUND

There is a paucity of literature on racial differences across a full total joint arthroplasty (TJA) "episode of care" and beyond. Given various incentives, the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) program in the U.S. may have impacted preexisting racial differences across this care continuum. The purposes of the present study were (1) to assess trends in racial differences in care/outcome characteristics before, during, and after TJA surgery and (2) to assess if the CJR program coincided with reductions in these racial differences.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study includes data on 1,483,221 TJAs (based on Medicare claims data, 2013 to 2018). Racial differences between Black and White patients were assessed for (1) preoperative characteristics (Deyo-Charlson comorbidity index, patient sex, and age), (2) characteristics during hospitalization (length of stay, blood transfusions, and combined complications), and (3) postoperative characteristics (90 and 180-day readmission rates and institutional post-acute care). Additionally, Medicare payments for each period were assessed. Racial differences (Black versus White patients) were expressed in terms of odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) per year. A "difference-in-differences" analysis (comparing before and after CJR implementation, with non-CJR hospitals being used as controls) estimated the association of the CJR program with changes in racial differences.

RESULTS

In both 2013 and 2018, Black patients (n = 74,390; 5.0%) were more likely than White patients to have a higher Deyo-Charlson comorbidity index (score of >0) (OR = 1.32 [95% CI = 1.28 to 1.36] and OR = 1.32 [95% CI = 1.28 to 1.37]), to require more transfusions (OR = 1.55 [95% CI = 1.49 to 1.62] and OR = 1.77 [95% CI = 1.56 to 2.01]), to be discharged to institutional post-acute care (OR = 1.40 [95% CI = 1.36 to 1.44] and OR = 1.49 [95% CI = 1.43 to 1.56]), and to be readmitted within 90 days (OR = 1.38 [95% CI = 1.32 to 1.44] and OR = 1.21 [95% CI = 1.13 to 1.29]) (p < 0.05 for all). Adjusted difference-in-differences analyses demonstrated that the CJR program coincided with reductions in racial differences in 90-day readmission (-1.24%; 95% CI, -2.46% to -0.03%) and 180-day readmission (-1.28%; 95% CI, -2.52% to -0.03%) (p = 0.044 for both).

CONCLUSIONS

Racial differences persist among patients managed with TJA. The CJR program coincided with reductions in some racial differences, thus identifying bundle design as a potential novel strategy to target racial disparities.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Analysis of Risk Factors for High-Risk Patients Undergoing Total Joint Arthroplasty

Background

The purpose of this study is to evaluate and redefine patients at high risk for increased resource utilization and complications after total joint arthroplasty (TJA), so interventions may focus on patients standing to receive the most benefit.

Material and methods

This is a retrospective study of 787 patients undergoing primary unilateral TJA from September 1, 2020, to September 31, 2021. Patients were deemed to be at “high risk” based on criteria derived from published literature and triaged to an enhanced preoperative education program. Patients that were discharged to a skilled nursing facility, had a length of stay ≥ 2 days, returned to the emergency department, or readmitted within 30 days were classified as having a composite outcome. A univariate analysis compared patients who did and did not experience the composite outcome, and multivariate regression was performed to evaluate predictors of this endpoint.

Results

Differences in rates of 5 of the 28 risk factors were present between patients who did and did not experience composite outcomes. After controlling for other factors, African American race, planned discharge to skilled nursing facility, mental health conditions or drug use, cardiac, and neurologic conditions were predictive of the composite outcome. Patients who were reclassified as “high risk” with 1 or more of these characteristics, experienced longer length of stay and lower rates of home discharge than the rest of the population.

Conclusion

This study presents a profile of high-risk TJA patients that can be incorporated into clinical practice for risk stratification and targeted intervention.

Patients From Medically Underserved Areas Are at Increased Risk for Nonhome Discharge and Emergency Department Return After Total Joint Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Maryland Health Enterprise Zones (MHEZs) were introduced in 2012 and encompass underserved areas and those with reduced access to healthcare providers. Across the United States many underserved and minority populations experience poorer total joint arthroplasty (TJA) outcomes seemingly because they reside in underserved areas. The purpose of this study is to identify and quantify the relationship between living in an MHEZ and TJA outcomes.

METHODS

Retrospective review of 11,451 patients undergoing primary TJA at a single institution from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2020 was conducted. Patients were classified based on whether they resided in an MHEZ. Statistical analyses were used to compare outcomes for TJA patients who live in MHEZ and those who do not.

RESULTS

Of the 11,451 patients, 1057 patients lived in MHEZ and 10,394 patients did not. After risk adjustment, patients who live in an MHEZ were more likely to return to the emergency department within 90 days postoperatively and were less likely to be discharged home than those patients who do not live in an MHEZ.

CONCLUSION

Total joint arthroplasty patients residing in MHEZ appear to present with poorer overall health as measured by increased American Society of Anesthesiologists and Hierarchical Condition Categories scores, and they are less likely to be discharged home and more likely to return to the emergency department within 90 days. Several factors associated with these findings such as socioeconomic factors, household composition, housing type, disability, and transportation may be modifiable and should be targets of future population health initiatives.

Race, Utilization, and Outcomes in Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review on Health-Care Disparities

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown that utilization and outcomes of total joint arthroplasty (TJA) are not equivalent across different patient cohorts. This systematic review was designed to evaluate the currently available evidence regarding the effect that patient race has, if any, on utilization and outcomes of lower-extremity arthroplasty in the United States.

METHODS

A literature search of the MEDLINE database was performed using keywords such as "disparities," "arthroplasty," "race," "joint replacement," "hip," "knee," "inequities," "inequalities," "health," and "outcomes" in all possible combinations. All English-language studies with a level of evidence of I through IV published over the last 20 years were considered for inclusion. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed on the collected data.

RESULTS

A total of 82 articles were included. There was a significantly lower utilization rate of lower-extremity TJA among Black, Hispanic, and Asian patients compared with White patients (p < 0.05). Black and Hispanic patients had lower expectations regarding postoperative outcomes and their ability to participate in various activities after surgery, and they were less likely than White patients to be familiar with the arthroplasty procedure prior to presentation to the orthopaedic surgeon (p < 0.05). Black patients had increased risks of major complications, readmissions, revisions, and discharge to institutional care after TJA compared with White patients (p < 0.05). Hispanic patients had increased risks of complications (p < 0.05) and readmissions (p < 0.0001) after TJA compared with White patients. Black and Hispanic patients reached arthroplasty with poorer preoperative functional status, and all minority patients were more likely to undergo TJA at low-quality, low-volume hospitals compared with White patients (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review shows that lower-extremity arthroplasty utilization differs by racial/ethnic group, and that some of these differences may be partly explained by patient expectations, preferences, and cultural differences. This study also shows that outcomes after lower-extremity arthroplasty differ vastly by racial/ethnic group, and that some of these differences may be driven by differences in preoperative functional status and unequal access to care.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Racial disparities in outcomes of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: A propensity score matched analysis using multiple national data sets

BACKGROUND

Disparities in access, utilization and outcomes exist throughout the healthcare system for minority groups, including racial and ethnic minorities; these disparities have wide-reaching implications for individuals as well as the healthcare system as a whole. This study will examine the impact of race on short and medium term outcomes for patients undergoing rotator cuff repair (RCR) using matched cohorts.

METHODS

Patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair from 2016 to 2018 were extracted from two national databases: the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) and TriNetX Research Network. Using the ACS-NSQIP database, univariate analysis was performed to identify differences in comorbidities between white and minority patients. Patients were propensity score matched based on significant differences between groups and 30-day postoperative outcomes were assessed. These comorbidities were then used to propensity score match white and minority patients in the TriNetX database and two-year postoperative outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

Following propensity score matching, 3716 patients remained in each group from the ACS-NSQIP database and 4185 patients remained in each group from the TriNetX database. The OR time for minority patients was longer than white patient in the ACS-NSQIP database (92.2 vs. 87.6 min, p < .001). There was no difference in medium-term outcomes for repeat RCR, infection or frozen shoulder between white and minority patients in the TriNetX database.

CONCLUSION

After propensity score matching the only significant short-term outcome between white and minority patients undergoing RCR was a difference in OR time; there were no differences in medium-term outcomes. This may indicate that the source of racial disparities is one of access to healthcare rather than an innate difference in the patients' outcomes. Further study is needed to elucidate this issue.

Racial Disparities in Elective Total Joint Arthroplasty for Osteoarthritis

Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is an effective elective surgical procedure for knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA), yet racial disparities in the use of and outcomes from TJA have been recognized. Racial minority individuals are less willing to undergo TJA, demonstrate worse surgical and functional outcomes, and are more likely to undergo surgery at a low‐procedure‐volume center. In this systematic review, we summarize evidence to date on racial disparities in TJA and discuss potential factors that may underlie this gap in care for patients with OA.

Artroplastia de quadril no Sistema Único de Saúde: análise dos óbitos hospitalares no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

O envelhecimento populacional traz desafios ao sistema de saúde. O aumento das doenças degenerativas articulares e a ocorrência de quedas podem demandar a realização de artroplastia de quadril. Objetivou-se avaliar os fatores associados a óbitos hospitalares por artroplastia de quadril no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Realizou-se um estudo transversal utilizando o Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do SUS, considerando internações e óbitos por artroplastias de quadril ocorridos entre 2016-2018. As análises consideraram as internações por caráter de atendimento (eletivo, urgência e acidentes ou lesão e envenenamento). Realizou-se regressão logística binária para obter a razão de chance de óbito. A mortalidade aumentou conforme a gravidade da internação. A maioria das internações com óbito foi por fratura de fêmur, demandando cuidados intensivos, tempo médio de permanência de 21,5 dias, envolveu mulheres com 80 anos e mais, da raça/cor branca, que realizaram procedimento em unidades habilitadas em alta complexidade em ortopedia e traumatologia, municipais e classificadas como geral II, localizadas na região de moradia do usuário. A chance de óbito se mostrou significativa para a idade do usuário, uso de unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI) e permanência hospitalar. Espera-se aumento da demanda por artroplastias de quadril e reabilitação física com o envelhecimento populacional. As equipes de saúde devem estar preparadas para lidar com uma população envelhecida. Conhecer os fatores que incrementem o risco de óbito favorece o planejamento e o manejo do cuidado pela equipe hospitalar, inclusive no sentido de diminuir a permanência hospitalar, tão impactante na condição funcional de pessoas idosas.

Ethnic Disparities and Incidence of Postoperative Complications in Obese Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty: Analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Data Set

INTRODUCTION

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is common but complex operation. A paucity of literature exists on differences between Hispanics and non-Hispanics with TKA. Our study aims to investigate the association between Hispanic ethnicity and complications in obese patients undergoing TKA.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database for patients with body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 who underwent TKA. Exposure in this study was ethnicity (Hispanic versus non-Hispanic), and the primary outcome was postoperative complications. Associations between ethnicity and baseline characteristics and between covariates and the outcome were assessed via bivariate analysis. Multiple logistic regression was done to determine associations between Hispanic ethnicity and complications while controlling for confounders.

RESULTS

Thirty five thousand twenty-seven patients were included in our study, of which 6.3% were Hispanic. Among obese adults, Hispanics had a 1.24 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.39) times greater odds of having a postoperative complication after TKA than non-Hispanics. This increased to 1.36 (95% CI 1.20 to 1.54) after adjusting for confounders. Hispanics were notably more likely to receive transfusion (2.62% vs. 1.59%, P < 0.001) and have prolonged length of stay (13.29% vs. 11.12%, P = 0.002) but were less likely to have wound disruption (0.05% vs. 0.27%, P = 0.042).

CONCLUSION

In a national database, Hispanic ethnicity was associated with greater odds of postoperative complication in obese patients undergoing TKA compared with non-Hispanics. Future studies focusing on a wide range metrics of social determinants of health are needed to further investigate barriers and intervention to eliminate racial/ethnic disparities in surgical patients.

Regional Implicit Bias Does Not Account for Racial Disparity in Total Joint Arthroplasty Utilization

BACKGROUND

Racial disparities surrounding the utilization of total hip and total knee arthroplasty (THA, TKA) are well documented. The Implicit Association Test (IAT) is a validated tool used to measure implicit and explicit bias. The purpose of this study is to evaluate if variations in IAT scores by geographical region in the United States (US) correspond with regional variations in THA and TKA utilization by blacks compared to whites.

METHODS

Data from the US Census and National Inpatient Sample from 2012 to 2014 were used to calculate THA and TKA utilization rates among Medicare-aged blacks and whites. Data were aggregated by US Census Bureau Division. Regional implicit bias was assessed by calculating a weighted average of IAT scores for each division.

RESULTS

Across all geographic regions and years, the surveyed population demonstrated an implicit bias favoring whites over blacks. The population adjusted ratio of white-to-black utilization of THA and TKA by geographic division varied between 0.86-1.85 and 0.87-2.01, respectively. The difference in utilization between geographic divisions reached statistical significance (P < .001). No correlation was found between the IAT scores and race-specific utilization ratios among geographic divisions.

CONCLUSION

Implicit bias as measured by regional IAT did not reflect THA and TKA utilization disparities. The racial disparity in utilization of THA and TKA significantly varied between divisions. The observed disparity was greater in divisions with a relatively higher proportion of blacks. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the impact of implicit bias on utilization of THA and TKA.

Disparities across Diverse Populations in the Health and Treatment of Patients with Osteoarthritis

The study of disparities across diverse populations regarding the health and treatment of patients with osteoarthritis (OA) is recognized as a priority for investigation and action by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS). OA is a common condition that increases with age, but with prevalence generally similar across racial and ethnic groups. However, disparities in the treatment of OA among racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups are well-documented and continue to rise and persist. The reasons are complex, likely involving a combination of patient, provider, and healthcare system factors. Treatment disparities among these different populations have an impact on clinical outcomes, healthcare, and productivity, and are projected to increase significantly with the growing diversity of the United States population. The aim of this short review is to summarize studies of racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities among patients with OA in the United States, with a focus on prevalence, treatment utilization, and clinical and economic outcomes.