Race Differences in Postacute Physical Therapy Utilization and Patient-Reported Function After Total Knee Arthroplasty

Objective This observational cohort study included patients of Black and White race and non-Hispanic ethnicity with end-stage knee osteoarthritis who were scheduled to receive total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery. Our objective was to examine whether race differences exist in the use of physical therapy (PT) across all postacute settings and to examine patient-reported physical function following TKA. Methods We collected pre- and postoperative physical function data and postoperative rehabilitation data on 104 Black and White individuals undergoing TKA. Regression analyses and independent samples t-tests were used to explore the predictive value of race on postoperative functional outcome and to compare PT utilization within each postacute setting and across all postacute rehabilitation settings. Results Total PT received was similar between White and Black participants, but significant race differences in PT utilization existed within specific settings. Race did not significantly predict function after TKA, but Black participants had slightly lower self-reported function both before and after surgery than White participants. Conclusion This is the first study to examine both PT utilization and functional outcomes in a sample of individuals undergoing TKA, and results indicate differences in where postoperative PT is received between Black and White patients.