Morbid obesity (BMI>40) is a significant risk factor for complications following total joint arthroplasty (TJA). As such many have a restrictive practice of withholding elective primary TJA in the morbidly obese. The purpose of this study was to observe the implications of this practice. From 2012 to 2014, 289 patients with morbid obesity and end-stage OA of the hip or knee were prospectively followed. At initial visit, patients were given a packet on risks of TJA in the morbidly obese and referral information to a weight loss clinic. Patients were contacted at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months from initial visit for PROs, and BMI changes. The average age of patients was 56 (26.7–79.1) there were 218 females and 71 males.Introduction
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