New Joints, Same Old Weight: Weight Changes After Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Bariatric Medicine
• Clinical Outcomes Research

Background:

• Obesity is a significant risk factor for complications after total joint arthroplasty.
• Surgeons often assume obese patients will lose weight post-surgery, aiding recovery.
• This assumption needs validation regarding actual weight changes and their impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if patients lose weight after total hip or total knee arthroplasty.
• To identify predictors of postoperative weight change in these patients.
• To assess the effect of weight changes on patient-reported clinical outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of a single-center institutional registry.
• Analysis of data from patients who underwent total hip and/or total knee arthroplasty.
• Statistical examination of weight changes and associated factors.

Main Results:

• A majority of patients maintained their body mass index (BMI) post-arthroplasty (73% hip, 69% knee).
• Predictors for weight loss included undergoing total knee arthroplasty, higher preoperative BMI, and female sex.
• The study provides data on weight change trends and influencing factors.

Conclusions:

• The assumption of significant postoperative weight loss in obese patients is not universally supported.
• Understanding weight change predictors is crucial for realistic patient counseling.
• This research informs preoperative discussions for total joint arthroplasty candidates, especially those with obesity.