A Retrospective Analysis of 1,595 Cases: Comparing the Characteristics of Total Knee Arthroplasty between Tibetans Living in the Plateau and Han of the Sichuan Basin

BACKGROUND: Total knee arthroplasty is an effective treatment for end-stage knee arthritis. Studies' date have shown that the demand for knee replacements continues to increase worldwide. Although racial disparities have been previously reported in the utilization of total knee arthroplasty in western countries, however, there are few similar studies in China. OBJECTIVES: Retrospective analysis of medical records identified the characteristics of Tibetan patients who had undergone total knee arthroplasty living in plateau and their differences with Hans living in Sichuan Basin. METHODS: The patients with unilateral primary total knee arthroplasty in Sichuan Orthopedic Hospital from 2015 to 2020 were enrolled. Analyze and compare the demographic characteristics (age, body mass index, and occupation) and pathogenesis characteristics (disease duration, exacerbation period, treatment methods, etc.) of the plateau Tibetans and the Hans of the Sichuan Basin. RESULTS: 1595 eligible patients were reviewed, including 541 Tibetan patients and 1054 Han patients, The average age of Tibetan patients was lower than that of Han patients (P < 0.001); the average BMI index of Tibetan patients was higher than that of Han patients (P < 0.001). And obese people account for more; the occupational distribution of Tibetan patients is more concentrated, mainly farmers. Tibetan patients have a longer course of disease than Han patients (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The social background and geographical environment of the Tibetan population are different from those of the Han. Tibetans living on plateaus have an earlier illness, a longer course of illness, a more obvious trend of younger, age and fewer opportunities for regular treatment during the illness.