Racial Disparities in Total Joint Arthroplasty

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Health Disparities Research
• Public Health

Background:

• Racial and ethnic disparities are prevalent in total joint arthroplasty (TJA).
• These disparities impact all stages of arthroplasty care, from access to postoperative results.
• Underrepresented patient populations disproportionately face barriers like comorbidities and lower socioeconomic status.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and summarize current research on racial and ethnic disparities in total joint arthroplasty.
• To identify key factors contributing to disparities in TJA access, utilization, and outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of recently published total joint arthroplasty studies.
• Analysis of literature focusing on racial and ethnic variations in TJA care.

Main Results:

• Disparities in TJA are evident across access, utilization, and postoperative outcomes.
• Factors limiting access, such as comorbidities and socioeconomic status, disproportionately affect minority patients.
• Minority patients often require more intensive rehabilitation and non-home discharge, potentially exacerbating reimbursement concerns within current healthcare models.

Conclusions:

• Racial and ethnic disparities in TJA are deeply intertwined with broader health and access inequalities.
• Existing literature on interventions to mitigate these disparities is limited.
• Multifaceted solutions addressing both systemic and individual levels are necessary to reduce TJA disparities.