African American patients on Medicaid are less likely to undergo surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome

Newswise — Waltham — February 21, 2024 — African American patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) are less likely to receive surgical treatment, reports the March issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). The journal is published in the Lippincott portfolio by Wolters Kluwer. 

"Our study shows significant race- and gender-related differences in treatment choices among Medicaid beneficiaries with CTS," comments ASPS Member Surgeon Rachel C. Hooper, MD, of University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. "The findings point to the need for strategies to address the underuse of surgical treatment for this common and potentially disabling condition." 

New data on racial disparities in CTS treatment decisions 

Patients with CTS have compression of the median nerve in the wrist, causing hand numbness, pain, and decreased function. Treatment options include activity modifications, splints, steroid injections, or surgery (carpal tunnel release). Hand surgery is an important area of specialization within plastic and reconstructive surgery. 

As for many other conditions, race is a potentially important factor affecting treatment choices for CTS. The new study evaluated possible racial disparities in the use of CTS surgery among patients on Medicaid.  

Using a Medicaid database, the researchers identified approximately 362,000 African American and White patients diagnosed with CTS between 2009 and 2020. Rates of surgical treatment were analyzed by race and gender, with adjustment for other characteristics. African American patients with CTS were more likely to be women and were relatively older than White patients. 

Surgery was the "first and only option" for CTS in 13.6% of African American patients, compared to 21.4% of White patients. African American patients were also less likely to undergo surgery within six months after diagnosis. In patients with severe CTS, delays to surgery are associated with an increased risk of persistent symptoms and reduced hand function. 

Need for 'actionable strategies' to address disparities in CTS treatment 

For both racial groups, the use of CTS surgery increased during the study period; however, the racial gap in surgical treatment increased over time. In 2020, rates of CTS surgery were 19.1% for African American patients compared to 28.5% for White patients. 

Gender also affected rates of CTS surgery. Overall, 13.7% of African American women underwent surgery, compared to 21.7% of White women. A similar trend was noted for men: 12.8% for African American men versus 20.0% for White men. African American patients and women were also more likely to undergo steroid injections, rather than surgery. 

Though the use of an administrative dataset facilitates identification of differences in treatment decisions among Medicaid patients based on race and gender, the underlying reasons for these differences are not readily discernable. Citing previous studies, the researchers note, "[T]he perceived rate of surgical complications, success of the surgery and overall trust in their surgeon may impact the decision to undergo surgery among economically disadvantaged African Americans." 

The findings come at a time of ongoing efforts to address racial and other disparities within the US healthcare system. Dr. Hooper and colleagues conclude: "[B]y identifying these disparities in the utilization of carpal tunnel release and hand surgery more broadly, we can move towards actionable strategies for narrowing the gaps. Dr. Hooper and her research team are currently conducting qualitative studies to further elucidate how the lived experiences of Black patients influence treatment decisions. 

Read Article [ An Analysis of Treatment Choices among White and African American Medicaid Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ] 

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About Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 

For over 75 years, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® (http://www.prsjournal.com/) has been the one consistently excellent reference for every specialist who uses plastic surgery techniques or works in conjunction with a plastic surgeon. The official journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® brings subscribers up-to-the-minute reports on the latest techniques and follow-up for all areas of plastic and reconstructive surgery, including breast reconstruction, experimental studies, maxillofacial reconstruction, hand and microsurgery, burn repair and cosmetic surgery, as well as news on medico-legal issues. 

About ASPS 

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. Representing more than 7,000 physician members, the society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises more than 94 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. Founded in 1931, the society represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. 

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