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Ethnic and Gender Differences in the Functional Disparities after Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty

  • Clinical Research
  • Published:
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research®

Abstract

Background

The benefits of TKA have been well documented. Whether these benefits apply equally across gender and ethnic groups is unclear. Given the underuse of TKA among certain demographic groups, it is important to understand whether gender or ethnicity influence pain and function after TKA.

Questions/purposes

We determined (1) the influence of race, gender, and body mass index (BMI) on primary TKA functional scores and ROM before gender-specific implants; and (2) whether comorbidities influenced ROM and functional scores.

Patients and Methods

We reviewed all 202 patients who underwent primary TKAs in 2004. We contacted 185 of the 202 patients, including 90 African-Americans, 87 Caucasians, four Asians, and four Hispanics (55 men, 130 women). Their average age was 66 years, and average BMI was 34.4 (range, 20–55). Knee Society scores (KSS) and ROM, patient demographics, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) were recorded. Minimum followup was 24 months (average, 29.1 months; range, 24–60.3 months).

Results

African-Americans had longer delays to presentation, higher BMI, and worse 2-year KSS. Women (all races) had higher BMI and worse preoperative flexion/arc ROM. African-American women had worse final ROM and had similar final gains in ROM (postoperative minus preoperative ROM) after controlling for confounders.

Conclusions

Gender and race affected functional KSS and ROM variables. The worse results experienced by African-American women may be attributable to a longer delay to presentation. However, the scores and motion were high for all subgroups, and underuse of TKA in women and African-Americans cannot be justified based on a perception of lesser functional gains.

Level of Evidence

Level III, prognostic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Keith Baldwin, MD, MSPT, MPH, from the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, for help with statistical design and analyses. We also thank Karunya Manikonda, MPH, for help with data collection.

Author information

Author notes

  1. Charles L. Nelson MD

    Present address: Orthopaedic Reconstructive Surgery, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, PA, 17822, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Atul F. Kamath MD & John G. Horneff MD

  2. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Cupp 1, 39th and Market Streets, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA

    Vandy Gaffney BA, Craig L. Israelite MD & Charles L. Nelson MD

Authors
  1. Atul F. Kamath MD
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  2. John G. Horneff MD
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  3. Vandy Gaffney BA
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  4. Craig L. Israelite MD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Charles L. Nelson MD.

Additional information

One or more of the authors (CLN, CLI) is a paid consultant and participant of the speakers’ bureau for Zimmer, Inc (Warsaw, IN). One of the authors (CLN) is a board member of the J. Robert Gladden Society and serves on a multicultural subcommittee of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Each author certifies that his or her institution approved the human protocol for this investigation and that all investigations were conducted in conformity with ethical principles of research.

This work was performed at The University of Pennsylvania.

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Kamath, A.F., Horneff, J.G., Gaffney, V. et al. Ethnic and Gender Differences in the Functional Disparities after Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty. Clin Orthop Relat Res 468, 3355–3361 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11999-010-1461-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11999-010-1461-y

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