Total knee and hip arthroplasty across BMI categories: A feasible option for the morbidly obese patient

摘要

In the United States, obesity has grown to epidemic proportions over the past decade with a prevalence of up to 35% of adults being reported as obese [1]. Obesity in the adult population increases the rates of musculoskeletal diseases, in particular osteoarthritis, which represents a major source of disability in the United States [2]. The development of osteoarthritis increases by 36% for every 5 kg increase in body weight [3]. Osteoarthritis negatively impacts quality of life. Total knee (TKA) and hip (THA) arthro-plasties are known to reduce pain, improve physical function and improve quality of life in patients affected by osteoarthritis [4, 5]. Despite the benefits of TKA and THA, data from recent studies has been conflicting [6-13], with some studies reporting increases in perioperative complications with increased BMI [7, 8, 11, 13]. These data have led to some reluctance in the orthopedic surgery community to proceed with elective joint replacement in patients with BMI >35, fearing increased perioperative complications.