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Updated: Jul 23, 2026

Tissue Collection and RNA Extraction from the Human Osteoarthritic Knee Joint
Published on: July 22, 2021
Obesity increases the likelihood of total joint replacement surgery among younger adults
S Harms1, R Larson, A E Sahmoun
1University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND 58202-9037, USA.
Abstract:
We conducted a retrospective review of medical charts of patients, aged 18 to 59 years old, who underwent either a total knee replacement (TKR) or total hip replacement (THR) from January 2002 to December 2004. Of the 204 study subjects, 52% had a TKR while 48% had a THR. Obesity was significantly associated with the need for a TKR or THR when comparing the study group to adults of similar age in the general population (P< 0.0001). Seventy-two percent (146) of the study group was obese and 21% (42) overweight (BMI 25.0 to 29.9 kg/m(2)) compared to only 26% (596) obese and 34% (732) overweight in the general population. Patients undergoing a TKR were significantly more likely to be obese (BMI>30 kg/m(2)) than those having a THR, 83% (89) compared to 59% (57) (P< .0006). Our findings support those previously observed in the elderly population. Primary and secondary prevention programs aimed at reducing obesity are strongly recommended.
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