To investigate racial disparities in shoulder arthroplasty (SA), accounting for demographic factors such as sex and age. Methods: Data for SAs (2011)(2012)(2013)(2014) was queried from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Population-adjusted SA utilization rates, racial and sex differences by age, length of stay, insurer, and comorbidities were calculated. Results: Caucasians aged 45-64 are 54% more likely than African-Americans and 74% than Hispanics to receive surgery. For patients aged 65-84, the disparity is wider for African-Americans and narrower for Hispanics. Conclusions: Policymakers and physicians should focus on further national efforts to alleviate healthcare disparities.
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