• Rajiv Gandhi, Fahad Razak, J Roderick Davey, and Nizar N Mahomed.
• Division of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. rajiv.gandhi@uhn.on.ca
• J Rheumatol. 2008 Aug 1; 35 (8): 1664-7.

ObjectiveDespite much evidence showing racial disparities in the use of surgical procedures, it is unknown whether ethnicity affects perception of surgical risk.MethodsWe surveyed 1609 patients undergoing primary hip or knee replacement surgery. Relevant covariates including demographic data, body mass index (BMI), sex, comorbidities, education, and ethnicity were recorded. Pain and joint functional status were assessed at baseline and at 1-year followup with the Western Ontario McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain and function scores. Risk perception was assessed with 3 survey questions.ResultsNon-European patients had greater functional disability and pain prior to surgery and demonstrated significantly greater perception of risk than European patients (p < 0.001). Independent of other covariates, non-European ethnicity was an independent predictor of a greater perception of risk (p < 0.05).ConclusionPatient ethnicity is an important factor to consider in understanding a patient's perception of risk in joint replacement surgery.

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