Abstract
The need for hip and knee replacement surgery is increasing. Enhanced recovery programmes, where patients mobilise quickly and safely after surgery, have been adopted now in many hospitals. There are anecdotal reports of Primary Care Trusts raising thresholds for referral for surgery based on patients' Body Mass Index (BMI).
The aim of this study was to evaluate the early outcome of hip and knee arthroplasty in obese patients (BMI>30) enrolled in the enhanced recovery programme.
Between March 2010 and January 2011, 672 patients were enrolled in our enhanced recovery programme. 316 patients (47%) were classified as obese (BMI>30, range 30-39). There was no significant difference in the length of stay: 4.58 days in the obese patients and 4.44 days in the non-obese. There was also no difference in the rates of superficial infections or oozy wounds. Knee replacements was performed more commonly than hip replacements in the obese group
There was no significant difference in the early outcome of hip and knee replacement surgery in patients with a higher Body Mass Index when undergoing lower limb arthroplasty through the enhanced recovery programme. These patients should continue to be offered surgery when clinically indicated.
