Reducing Disparities in Knee Arthroscopy for Adolescents with Acute Knee Injuries in Hispanic Youth Soccer Players

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to explore delays in timely knee surgery among Hispanic high school athletes who have sustained acute knee injuries requiring arthroscopic surgery. The study focuses on understanding barriers to prompt care, such as language, insurance, and healthcare navigation issues, which can lead to long-term complications like arthritis and joint instability. The study also seeks to develop and test a culturally tailored intervention to improve timely evaluation and treatment in this population. The study includes three main parts: first, interviews with Hispanic high school soccer players, their families, pediatricians, and coaches to identify factors affecting timely care; second, designing an educational program and a bilingual patient navigator to support athletes and families in accessing sports medicine specialists; and third, a pilot study where soccer teams are randomized to receive the intervention or just navigator contact information. This approach aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. Participants will complete surveys before and after the soccer season to measure changes in attitudes and knowledge about knee injuries and care seeking. Coaches will report weekly on team activity and injuries. Focus groups with players, families, and coaches will provide feedback on the intervention. The primary outcome is understanding barriers from injury to surgery, with secondary outcomes focusing on care-seeking behavior and timing. The study will last through the soccer season with ongoing data collection and community advisory board involvement.

Reducing Disparities in Knee Arthroscopy for Adolescents