Investigating how social factors affect the timing of total knee replacement surgery
Official title: Social Determinants and Timeliness of Total Knee Replacement A National Perspective
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11168650 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at when people in the U.S. get knee replacement surgeries and how things like access to healthcare and living conditions affect that timing, so we can find ways to help more patients get the care they need when they need it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | March 19, 2021 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $418,946 |
| NIH project number | 7R01AR078342-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11168650 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing significant knee pain and disability who are considering total knee replacement surgery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not candidates for total knee replacement or those with conditions unrelated to knee pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines the timing of total knee replacement (TKR) surgeries across the United States by analyzing data from a national registry, radiographic readings, and Medicare claims. It aims to understand how social determinants, such as access to healthcare and the built environment, influence when patients receive TKR. The study will classify patients based on their functional disability and assess how these social factors impact both the utilization of TKR and the outcomes after surgery. By identifying barriers and facilitators to timely care, this research seeks to inform policies that improve access to TKR for those who need it most.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved access to timely total knee replacement surgeries for patients who need them.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding social determinants can significantly impact healthcare access and outcomes, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ghomrawi, Hassan — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Ghomrawi, Hassan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Self-powered knee implant load sensors to monitor total knee replacements
A tiny, self-powered sensor system is being developed to monitor the loads on a total knee replacement so doctors can keep an eye on implant health from afar.
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Remote-based physical activity program for adults after total knee replacement
A nationwide study tests a scalable, online program to help adults 12 months after knee replacement stay active and healthier without in-person visits.
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Self-powered knee implant that measures how your knee moves and bears weight inside the body
A new knee replacement implant will quietly power and transmit measurements of your knee’s movement and the forces across the joint during daily life.
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How neighborhood and social factors influence when people get knee replacement
This project looks at how neighborhood, healthcare access, and social circumstances affect when adults who need knee replacement actually receive surgery.
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Remote exercise program for people with knee replacements
Different online program features will be tried to help adults who had a total knee replacement become more active.
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Improving Function and Pain After Total Knee Replacement Through Physical Activity and Weight Loss
This program helps adults who have had total knee replacement surgery improve their movement and reduce pain by focusing on physical activity and healthy weight.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.