Total joint arthroplasty in a predominantly African-American population, part one: knee arthroplasty.

A total of 128 total joint arthroplasties performed on a predominantly African-American population by a single surgeon between 1987 and 1992 were reviewed. Of these, 66 were total knee replacements and 62 were total hip replacements. Total hip replacement will be presented in Part Two. The African-American patients' attitudes toward joint replacement, comorbid states, complications, and overall results were examined. All patients were evaluated objectively and subjectively both clinically and radiographically. Ninety-five percent of the patients had good to excellent results, confirming our belief that despite the coexistence of medical illnesses, advanced age, presence of moderate obesity, and severity of disease, total joint arthroplasty is an effective and satisfying method of treatment for the African-American patient with severe arthritis.