Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 24, 2026
09:33
Three-dimensional Rendering and Analysis of Immunolabeled, Clarified Human Placental Villous Vascular Networks
Published on: March 29, 2018
10.4K
Treatment Patterns and Disparities in Thumb Collateral Ligament Surgery: A 10-Year New York State Analysis
Joseph Saleh1, Michelle A Richardson2, Matthew T Kingery2
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
The Journal of Hand Surgery Asian-Pacific Volume
|March 23, 2026
Summary
Demographic factors like insurance type and race influence surgical treatment for thumb ligament injuries. This highlights potential biases in clinical decision-making for thumb collateral ligament injuries.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Health Services Research
- Biostatistics
Background:
- Thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) collateral ligament injuries frequently cause significant functional limitations and prolonged recovery.
- Understanding demographic influences on treatment is crucial for equitable care in orthopedic trauma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate demographic disparities in operative versus nonoperative management of thumb MCP collateral ligament injuries.
- To identify trends in surgical treatment for these injuries within New York State.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) database for 18,171 patients diagnosed between 2010-2020.
- Comparison of demographic factors (age, sex, race, insurance) between operative and nonoperative groups using t-tests and Chi-squared tests.
- Linear regression models assessed the impact of demographics on surgical treatment odds.
Main Results:
- The proportion of surgically treated thumb MCP collateral ligament injuries increased from 25.7% (2011) to 35.8% (2017).
- Patients with private insurance, workers' compensation, or Medicare were significantly more likely to receive surgery compared to Medicaid patients.
- Black and Hispanic patients showed lower odds of undergoing surgery compared to white patients.
Conclusions:
- Insurance status and race are significant demographic factors influencing surgical management decisions for thumb MCP collateral ligament injuries.
- Potential demographic biases in treatment necessitate careful consideration by clinicians to ensure equitable patient care.
- Trends indicate an increasing surgical intervention rate over the study period, influenced by patient demographics.
