Hot Metal Campus Researchers Highlight Inequities in Post-Surgical Recovery Outcomes:
Researchers affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh, including team members from the Departments of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and the Pittsburgh School of Medicine conducted a major study to better understand how social and demographic factors affect recovery after hip or knee replacement surgery. Their study titled Sociodemographic Differences in Short-Term Physical Function Outcomes After Hip and Knee Arthroplasty in the United States, found that months after surgery women, and patients of color often experienced slower or less complete recovery in the first six months after surgery, when compared to men and white patients. Recovery was also influenced by income and job status, with people who had higher incomes, or who were self-employed showing better outcomes. The study also found that the type of insurance did not appear to make a significant difference in physical recovery.
The work led in part by Pitt faculty members, Allyn Bove, Parker Denny, Sean Repage, Kaitlyn Sweeney, Cynthia Brand, Sam Allison, Heather Ross, Jared W. Magnani, Lauren Terhorst, Anthony Delitto, and Janet Freburger, was rooted in the Hot Metal Campus research efforts to make rehabilitation more equitable and evidence based. While not all studies in the review showed disparities, the trend was clear: social and economic differences can shape how well a person can heal after surgery.
These findings highlight the importance of early intervention and personalized rehab strategies, especially for groups at risk of poorer outcomes. The team also calls for more research into how overlapping factors, like race, gender, and income, interact to affect recovery, so healthcare providers can better support all patients on the path to healing.