Racial and sex disparities in utilization rates for shoulder arthroplasty in the United States disparities in shoulder arthroplasty

Purpose: To investigate racial disparities in shoulder arthroplasty (SA), accounting for demographic factors such as sex and age. Methods: Data for SAs (2011-2014) was queried from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Population-adjusted SA utilization rates, racial and sex differences by age, length of stay, insurer, and comorbidities were calculated. Results: Caucasians aged 45-64 are 54% more likely than African-Americans and 74% than Hispanics to receive surgery. For patients aged 65-84, the disparity is wider for African-Americans and narrower for Hispanics. Conclusions: Policymakers and physicians should focus on further national efforts to alleviate healthcare disparities.