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Race not associated with readmission risk after treatment for tibial plateau fracture
Results showed race and estimated median income were not independent risk factors for readmission after closed treatment and operative fixation for tibial plateau fractures.
Using the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database, researchers stratified 13,518 patients treated for tibial plateau fractures nonoperatively or operatively by race. Of the patients, 60.9% were white; 17.9% were African-American; 9.6% were Hispanic and 11.7% were from all other races. Main outcome measures included hospital length of stay, in-hospital complications/mortality, estimated total costs and 30-day readmission.
Results showed nonoperative treatment rate of nearly 10% among African-American and Hispanic patients vs. a rate of 8.2% among white patients. Compared with white patients, researchers noted a length of stay of 2 days longer on average among racial minority patients, which cost on average $4,000 more per hospitalization. After open reduction and internal fixation, white patients were more likely to have non-homebound discharge disposition, as well as a greater rate of postoperative complications, according to results.
Multiple regression analysis showed age, race, estimated median family income, use of external fixator, comorbidity burden and discharge disposition were statistically significant predictors of hospital length of stay. Results showed open fractures, external fixator use, three or more comorbidities, older age, Medicare insurance, Medicaid and additional extra day in-hospital stay were independent risk factors for hospital readmission. However, researchers found racial and ethnic groups had no significant variation between 30-day readmission rates. – by Casey Tingle
Disclosures: The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.