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Cultural and Socioeconomic Determinants of Hip and Knee Arthroplasty in the Medically Underserved Rio Grande Valley Community

Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Introduction: Joint arthroplasty is a common procedure that is increasing worldwide. In this study, we aimed to discover if there were differences in demographics and social factors associated with individuals undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV). We hypothesized that older individuals and those with higher body mass index (BMI) would have an increased risk of TKA. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review using the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley UTHealth electronic database from January 1, 2018, to July 1, 2024. Individuals were selected using Current Procedural Terminology codes for any patients with TKA or THA. Various statistical analyses were performed to analyze the data. Results: We analyzed 252 patients with THA and 528 with TKA. The mean age was 69.9 (standard deviation, SD = 9.7) years, with a mean BMI of 31.8 (SD = 6.25). TKA was associated with higher BMI and was 20% more common in Hispanics than non-Hispanic patients: odds ratio = 2 (95% confidence interval = 1.4-3.3; p = 0.004). Factors associated with TKA compared with THA were age greater than 55 years, increased BMI, the use of public insurance, and Hispanic individuals. The probability of having TKA increased with BMI. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the influence of unique cultural and socioeconomic conditions in the RGV in the context of TKA and THA. The findings suggest the need for policy interventions and continued research to analyze new policies and strategies to cope with the disparities in this community and other medically underserved regions.
Source: Cureus
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.91285
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4413846062
FWCI:
Cites: 26
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Related to: 10