Tracking racial and ethnic disparities of knee replacement rates in Connecticut.

OBJECTIVE: Determine knee replacement rates among white, black, and Hispanic men and women in Connecticut.

METHODS: Connecticut population estimates and hospital discharge data were obtained. Race and ethnicity were identified by hospital personnel. Connecticut residents with knee replacement (ICD-9-CM 81.54) in any of 10 procedure fields were included. Rates were age-adjusted to the U.S. 2000 population.

RESULTS: 1996-1998 age-adjusted knee replacement rates per 100,000 population aged 25 and older were significantly higher among black women (115.8, 95% confidence interval 103.9-127.7) than white women (84.9, 82.4-87.4), significantly higher among white men (66.4, 63.9-68.9) than black men (44.0, 34.9-53.1), and lowest among Hispanic men (16.9, 10.1-23.7) and women (47.5, 37.8-57.2).

CONCLUSION: Inferences about disparities cannot be drawn, although Connecticut data are consistent with no disparity between the knee replacement rate in black women relative to white women. Data about symptomatic knee osteoarthritis are needed. Patient and physician treatment preferences must be considered.