Neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage does not predict need for manipulation under anesthesia or range of motion following total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND

Studies have linked socioeconomic factors including lower income and minority race with worse functional outcomes following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Arthrofibrosis is a common complication following TKA, and manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) is an effective treatment option for arthrofibrosis. This study aimed to determine if neighborhood-level socioeconomic disadvantage predicts need for MUA and postoperative range of motion (ROM) among patients undergoing primary elective TKA.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of primary TKAs performed at a single institution over a three-year duration. Area Deprivation Index (ADI) was used to determine each patient's level of socioeconomic disadvantage based on their home address. Patients were allocated into three groups based on ADI: least socioeconomic disadvantage (ADI 1-3), middle socioeconomic disadvantage (ADI 4-6), and most socioeconomic disadvantage (ADI 7-10). Demographic factors and comorbid conditions were recorded. Bivariate analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between degree of socioeconomic disadvantage and need for MUA and postoperative ROM.

RESULTS

In total, 600 patients were included and 26.7 % were categorized as most disadvantaged. In comparison to the middle and least disadvantaged groups, these patients were more likely to be Women (71.2 vs. 67.9 and 58.6 %;  = 0.027), younger (60.7 vs. 62.9 and 66.3 years;  < 0.001) and have higher BMI (34.9 vs. 33 and 31.7;  < 0.001) (most disadvantaged vs. middle and least). Analysis revealed no difference in rate of MUA (6.3 vs. 2.5 vs. 4 %;  = 0.179) or postoperative ROM (98 vs. 98 vs. 100°;  = 0.753) between the three groups (most, middle, and least disadvantaged, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage does not predict rate of MUA or postoperative ROM following TKA. Patients residing in neighborhoods with higher ADI who underwent TKA were more likely to be younger, Women, and have higher BMI, consistent with previous literature. Our results support efforts to improve access to orthopaedic care, including TKA, to patients of all socioeconomic levels.