Disparity in Health Services and Outcomes for Persons With Hip Fracture and Lower Extremity Joint Replacement

OBJECTIVE: Examine disparity in health services and outcomes for adults with a hip fracture or lower extremity joint replacement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study examined 28,522 patient records including 12,328 (mean age 76.6 years) with hip fracture and 16,194 (mean age 71.8 years) with joint replacement. RESULTS: Non-Hispanic white and black patients were significantly (P < 0.05) more likely to be discharged home alone and responsible for their own care than were Asian or Hispanic patients. Sixty-four percent of Hispanic patients received inpatient rehabilitation after hip fracture and 36% after hip or knee arthroplasty. In contrast, 58% of non-Hispanic white persons, 67% of black persons, and 56% of Asian persons received inpatient medical rehabilitation after hip or knee joint replacement. CONCLUSION: Disparity in outcomes appeared to be related to family structure and social support.