Orthopaedic Consultation is Associated With Fewer Patient-Perceived Barriers to Total Joint Arthroplasty.

Background: Orthopaedic consultations' influence on perceived barriers to total joint arthroplasty (TJA) remains unclear. This study explores how orthopedic consultations are associated with patient perceptions of barriers to TJA. Methods: We performed a post-hoc analysis of questionnaire responses based on data from a previous study that used semi-structured interviews with patients with advanced osteoarthritis. This earlier study identified 5 key barriers to TJA-trust in surgeon, cost/insurance, recovery, surgical outcome, and timing of surgery Results: Of the 696 participants, 88% were female, 77% White, 11% Black, and 9% Hispanic. Nearly half (49%) had an orthopaedic consultation. Participants who had consulted with an orthopaedist were older, more likely to be college graduates, Medicare beneficiaries, have consulted a primary care physician, attempted conservative management including joint injections, braces, and physical therapy. After adjusting for participant factors, orthopaedic consultation was a predictor of fewer perceived cost/insurance and timing barriers. However, no differences were observed in other barriers. Conclusions: Orthopaedic consultation is associated with fewer reported cost/insurance and timing barriers to TJA. Addressing barriers of concern to patients in the context of orthopaedic consultations could further improve TJA utilization.