Impact of Rurality on Total Joint Arthroplasty Access and Outcomes: A Systematic Review

Background: Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is one of the most frequent orthopaedic surgeries in the United States; however, disparities in utilization and outcomes based on race, sex, and socioeconomic level have been well documented. The impact of rural geographic location, a characteristic that may impact access to TJA care and postoperative outcomes, remains understudied. This systematic review investigated associations between rural location and several metrics in total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty to investigate whether disparities are present based on rural geographic location. Methods: In November 2024, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, and Cochrane Review databases were queried. Ten studies investigating TJA utilization and outcomes that included patients in a rural location were included. Study quality was assessed using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Results: Ten articles were included in the final analysis. Differences in complications, readmission rates, and length of stay due to rural location of patient and/or hospital were reported. Results indicate urban TJA patients more frequently discharge to rehab. Patient-reported outcome measures following TJA do not appear different between rural and urban patient groups. Conclusions: Rural geographic location is associated with different TJA utilization and outcomes and may point to disparities in care. Continued efforts dedicated to eliminating inequalities in TJA care should consider the impact geographic location may have on exacerbating other forms of inequity. The reporting of urban-rural classification of patients in arthroplasty research is important for advancing this area of study. Access to care for all patients should be prioritized.