Blacks, Hispanics more likely to be readmitted after TJR

LAS VEGAS — Compared with white patients, black and Hispanic patients were more likely to be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days after total joint replacement, according to results presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting.

Using Connecticut hospital discharge data from 2008 to 2012, researchers analyzed 51,999 patients admitted for joint replacement surgery. The study’s primary outcome measure was to determine the odds of hospital readmission for all causes within 30 days following the initial admission.

Courtland Lewis

Results showed a 4.6% 30-day readmission rate following major joint replacement, with black and Hispanic patients significantly more likely to be readmitted within 30 days of discharge vs. white patients. The researchers found the most common reasons for readmission were postoperative infection, infection and inflammatory reaction due to internal joint prosthesis, hematoma and dislocation of prosthetic joint. Additionally, patients who had Medicaid or Medicare had a significantly higher 30-day readmission rate, according to study results.

When the researchers controlled for patient socioeconomic status, comorbidities and payer, they found race and ethnic differences in odds of readmission were not substantially reduced. – by Casey Tingle

Reference:

Aseltine R, et al. Paper #491. Presented at: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting. March 24-28, 2015; Las Vegas.

Disclosures: Aseltine reports no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the full abstract for a complete list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.