Limited English proficiency is associated with worse postoperative functional recovery

Narrative synthesis #

The review reports limited functional-outcome data confined to arthroplasty, directionally suggesting worse recovery for LEP patients: 1 study found significantly lower 12-month International Knee Society scores and another significantly lower Oxford hip scores (worse function and pain) among LEP patients, though patient-rated improvement scores did not reach significance in the same study, and a bariatric study found no difference in 1-year excess weight loss. Only 2 studies examined function, so the review treats this as an underexplored outcome. Certainty/GRADE appraisal is left for expert review.

"Two studies evaluated the association between LEP and postoperative function after arthroplasty procedures. One study found significantly lower 12-month postoperative functional status using International Knee Society scores among patients with LEP vs English-proficient patients. Another study found that patients with LEP had significantly lower Oxford hip scores after total hip arthroplasty, indicating worse function and pain. However, the association between LEP and patient-rated improvement scores failed to reach statistical significance in the same study." (Joo, 2023, p. 8)