Revision THA in obese patients is associated with high re-operation rates at short-term follow-up

J Arthroplasty. 2014 Sep;29(9 Suppl):209-13. doi: 10.1016/j.arth.2014.03.046. Epub 2014 May 24.

Abstract

We performed a retrospective review of 309 consecutive revision THAs from 2005 to 2009. We identified a subgroup of patients with BMI >35 and compared the operative time, rate of complications, ICU admissions, re-admissions, and re-operations to patients with BMI <35 undergoing revision THA. At a mean follow-up of 36.3 months, there was no significant difference in operative time, perioperative complications, or re-admission rate between the two groups. However, a significantly higher rate of re-operation was observed in the obese group (46% vs. 28%, P=0.015). Obese patients were more likely to undergo reoperation for infection (P=0.017). Patients with high BMI contemplating primary THA should be aware of the potential subsequent complications associated with revision surgery should it become necessary.

Keywords: BMI; complications; obesity; revision arthroplasty; total hip arthroplasty.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / statistics & numerical data*
  • Body Mass Index
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity / complications*
  • Operative Time
  • Patient Readmission / statistics & numerical data
  • Postoperative Complications / epidemiology
  • Reoperation / statistics & numerical data
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Treatment Outcome