Sex and gender disparity in pathology, disability, referral pattern, and wait time for surgery in workers with shoulder injury

This study looks at whether men and women with work-related shoulder injuries are treated differently. It considers both biological sex and social gender factors. The study found that women with shoulder injuries reported more disability and took more medication than men. They also waited longer for surgery. The study suggests that there may be gender bias in the referral process for surgery, as men were more likely to be referred for surgical consultation.

• 1
  Women with shoulder injuries were more likely to report repetitive injuries, while men were more likely to report injuries from falls.
• 2
  Men seen at the ESPA program had a higher prevalence of full thickness rotator cuff tears and labral pathology.
• 3
  The timeframe from injury to surgery was longer in women in the surgical group (p = 0.01). As well, women waited longer from the date of consent to date of surgery (p = 0.04).