272 Morbid Obesity in Lower Limb Arthroplasty: Short Length of Stay and Favourable One-Year Outcomes

Abstract

Abstract Introduction There are concerns that BMI is associated with a greater length of stay (LOS) and perioperative complications in lower limb arthroplasty. Method We analysed data from a six-month period to see if there was a correlation between BMI and LOS. We performed a subgroup analysis for patients with morbid obesity (BMI >40). Results 285 TKRs and 195 THRs were analysed. For TKRs, the average length of stay was 2.7 days. There was no significant correlation between BMI and LOS (r=-0.0447, p = 0.2267). The morbidly obese category (n = 33) had the shortest LOS (2.5 days) compared to other BMI categories. 30-day readmission rate was 6%. 90-day re-admission rate was 12%. Six patients had minor wound issues requiring no intervention or antibiotics only. The was one prosthetic joint infection, one stitch abscess, one DVT and one patellar tendon injury. For THRs, the average LOS was 2.9 days. There was no significant correlation between BMI and LOS (r = 0.007, p = 0.4613). The morbid obese category (n = 9) had the shortest LOS (1.9 days) compared to other BMI categories. No patients were readmitted within 90 days or had documented complications. Conclusions Increased BMI is not associated with increased LOS. The morbidly obese had the shortest LOS, and commendable complication and re-admission rates.