The Impact of Obesity on Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty Outcomes

A recent publication has demonstrated that obese [body mass index (BMI), 30–39.9 kg/m2] and morbidly obese (BMI ≥40 kg/m2) individuals exhibit substantial risk for repeat revision surgery in comparison to normal weight (BMI, 18.5–29.9 kg/m2) individuals. Obese individuals are at higher risk for primary revision due to stiffness and repeat revision due to malposition. In comparison to the obese population, morbidly obese individuals are more likely to need primary revision for dislocation and implant loosening. Substantial differences in primary and repeat revision etiologies have been encountered among weight classes. Moreover, obese and morbidly obese individuals have a greater risk of needing repeat revision surgery.