Defining the relationship between obesity and total joint arthroplasty

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship betwee n obesity and patient-administered outcome measures after total joint arthr oplasty. Research Methods and Procedures: A voluntary questionnaire-based registry c ontained 592 primary total hip arthroplasty patients and 1011 primary total knee arthroplasty patients with preoperative and 1-year data. Using logist ic regression, the relationships between body mass index and the several ou tcome measures, including Short Form-36 and Western Ontario and McMaster Un iversities Osteoarthritis Index, were examined. Results: There was no difference between obese and nonobese patients regard ing satisfaction, decision to repeat surgery, and Delta physical component summary, Delta mental component summary, and Delta Western Ontario and McMa ster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores (p > 0.05 for all). Body mass index was associated with an increased risk of having difficulty descendin g or ascending stairs at 1 year (odds ratio, 1.2 to 1.3). Discussion: Obese patients enjoy as much improvement and satisfaction as ot her patients from total joint arthroplasty.