Intersectionality of Net Worth and Race Relative to Utilization of Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

Although the number of total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty (THA and TKA) increases, individuals of color continue to be less likely to undergo these procedures. Socioeconomic status may be a key influencer of THA and TKA utilization and outcomes. We explore the influence of net worth and race on THA and TKA utilization and outcomes of length of stay and readmissions using a large patient database.

The StrataSphere data set, an aggregation of 49 health systems representing 209 hospitals, was used for primary THA and TKA procedures performed in the calendar year 2019. Net worth was determined from Market Vue Partners’ data sources. Statistical analyses were performed to investigate relationships between net worth and patients undergoing THA or TKA.

When comparing our overall patient cohorts with the US population using Census data, we found differences in the utilization pattern indicated by index ratios most clearly in the lowest net worth categories. In the <$10K net worth category, THA and TKA index ratios were 0.51 and 0.54, respectively. In addition, we found that patients in the $100-250 and $250-500K net worth categories had increased utilization of both THA (index ratios of 1.39, 1.53) and TKA (index ratios of 1.45, 1.47) surgeries.

Net worth is a strong driver of disparities in utilization of THA and TKA with lower utilization of these surgeries in patients with net worth <$10K and increased utilization in patients with net worth from $100-250 and $250-500K.