Race and Elective Joint Replacement: Where a Disparity Meets Patient Preference

Abstract

The authors reflect on race, health disparities and elective joint replacement. They suggest that despite the fact that total joint replacement is successful in treating osteoarthritis there are variations in its utilization, with race being a determining factor. They argue that medical professionals must find better ways to solicit informed preferences from patients about total joint replacement, especially among minorities that have not had exemplary relationships with physicians.