Associating Social Determinants of Health With PROMIS CAT Scores and Health Care Utilization After ACL Reconstruction

Abstract

Background: The term “social determinants of health” (SDOH) refers to social and economic factors that influence a patient’s health status. The effect of SDOH on the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) computer adaptive test (CAT) scores and postoperative resource utilization in patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) have yet to be thoroughly studied. Purpose: To investigate the impact SDOH have on PROMIS CAT outcomes and postoperative resource utilization in patients with ACLR. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: The electronic medical record was used to identify the SDOH for patients who underwent ACLR by 1 of 3 sports medicine fellowship–trained orthopaedic surgeons between July 2017 and April 2020. PROMIS CAT measures of Physical Function (PROMIS-PF), Pain Interference (PROMIS-PI), and Depression (PROMIS-D) were completed at the preoperative, 6-month postoperative, and 12-month postoperative time points. Postoperative health care utilization was recorded as well. Independent 2-group t tests and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used to analyze mean differences between patient groups based on SDOH. Results: Two-hundred and thirty patients who underwent ACLR were included (mean age, 27 years; 59% male). Compared with White patients, Black patients were represented more frequently in the lowest median household income (MHI) quartile (63% vs 23%, respectively; P