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Race Differences in Postacute Physical Therapy Utilization and Patient-Reported Function After Total Knee
Allyn M Bove1, Leslie R M Hausmann2, Sara R Piva1
1University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Arthritis Care & Research
|September 23, 2021
Summary
Racial disparities exist in where Black and White patients receive physical therapy (PT) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), though overall PT amounts were similar. Race did not predict function, but Black patients reported lower function pre- and post-TKA.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Health Disparities Research
Background:
- End-stage knee osteoarthritis often necessitates total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
- Postoperative physical therapy (PT) is crucial for functional recovery after TKA.
- Understanding racial differences in PT utilization and functional outcomes is essential for equitable care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate racial disparities in physical therapy (PT) utilization across postacute settings following total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
- To examine patient-reported physical function in Black and White individuals after TKA.
- To identify potential differences in rehabilitation pathways based on race.
Main Methods:
- Observational cohort study of 104 Black and White patients undergoing TKA.
- Collection of pre- and postoperative physical function data.
- Analysis of postoperative rehabilitation data, including PT utilization in various postacute settings using regression and t-tests.
Main Results:
- Total PT received was comparable between Black and White participants.
- Significant racial differences were observed in PT utilization within specific postacute settings.
- Race did not significantly predict functional outcomes, although Black participants reported slightly lower function pre- and post-surgery.
Conclusions:
- This study highlights the first examination of both PT utilization and functional outcomes in TKA patients stratified by race.
- Results indicate that Black and White patients utilize postoperative PT in different settings.
- Further research is needed to address the observed differences in PT setting utilization and functional outcomes.
- Meta_Description:
- Racial disparities in physical therapy utilization and functional outcomes after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were examined in this study.
