Racial Disparities in Outcomes After Foot and Ankle Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

This systematic review and meta-analysis delved into the impact of race and ethnicity on outcomes following foot and ankle surgery, an area garnering increasing attention within the medical community. Despite significant literature on post-surgical clinical and functional outcomes, limited research has explored the influence of racial and ethnic factors on post-operative outcomes. In this study, data from 33 relevant studies, involving a total of 557,734 patients, were analyzed to assess outcomes across different racial and ethnic groups. Notably, only six studies met the criteria for inclusion in the final meta-analysis due to variations in outcome reporting. Findings revealed disparities in functional scores, pain levels, and resource utilization among different racial and ethnic cohorts. Specifically, non-White and minority patients exhibited higher rates of foot and ankle fractures and lower extremity surgeries, worse functional outcomes, increased pain, longer hospital stays, and a greater incidence of complications compared to their White counterparts. However, some studies presented contradictory results, emphasizing the necessity for further investigation to elucidate these discrepancies fully. This research underscores the importance of considering racial and ethnic factors in foot and ankle surgery outcomes and highlights the need for targeted interventions to address existing disparities.