Impact of Obesity on Joint Replacement Surgery Outcomes: A Comparative Study

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Metabolic Health
• Surgical Outcomes

Background:

• Obesity is a known risk factor for poor joint health.
• It presents significant challenges and leads to less favorable outcomes in joint replacement surgeries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of obesity on postoperative outcomes in joint replacement surgery.
• To compare outcomes between obese and non-obese patient cohorts.

Main Methods:

• A prospective observational study included 186 patients (93 obese, 93 non-obese) from January 2022 to December 2023.
• Data collected included postoperative complications, mobility, pain, comorbidities, and demographics.
• Multivariate logistic regression identified predictors of adverse outcomes.

Main Results:

• Obese patients (BMI > 30 kg/m²) had a higher prevalence of severe osteoarthritis (45.16% vs. 26.88%) and longer hospital stays (7.6 vs. 5.4 days).
• Increased postoperative complications, including surgical site infections (11.83% vs. 4.30%), were observed in the obese group.
• Obesity was an independent predictor of poor postoperative outcomes (OR: 2.40, p = 0.005).

Conclusions:

• Obese patients face higher complication rates, increased postoperative discomfort, reduced mobility, and prolonged hospital stays.
• Obesity significantly impacts joint replacement surgery outcomes.
• Tailored preoperative assessments, perioperative care, and rehabilitation are crucial for obese patients.