Relationship between social determinants of health and patient outcomes after orthopedic trauma

Orthopedic trauma care is impacted by social determinants of health (SDOH) like socioeconomic status, education, and health care access. Disparities in these areas lead to worse outcomes, particularly in rural and low-income urban populations, who face higher mortality and delayed care. Despite their importance, routine SDOH screenings are underused in trauma settings. This review emphasizes the need to integrate SDOH into orthopedic trauma care, enabling targeted interventions, timely access to resources, and equitable recovery. By addressing systemic barriers, orthopedic surgeons can play a vital role in reducing disparities and improving holistic patient outcomes.