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.