Race and gender influence management of humerus shaft fractures

This study examined the relationship of surgical management of humerus shaft fractures (HSFs) with race, gender, insurance status, and presence of lower extremity fracture in 19,818 patients from the National Trauma Data Bank years 2007-2012. Using a multivariate logistic regression model, black males (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.66-0.81, p < 0.001) and white females (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.80-0.91, p < 0.001) had reduced odds of surgery compared to white males. Insurance status was not significant. These disparities may reflect bias within the surgical treatment team.