Timing and Type of Bariatric Surgery Preceding Total Knee Arthroplasty Leads to Similar Complications and Outcomes

Abstract

BackgroundNo consensus exists regarding the appropriate timing of bariatric surgery (BS) or the complication profiles between Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) prior to total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We sought to compare 90-day medical and up to two-year surgical complications and revisions among (1) BS performed 6 months and 1 year prior to TKA; (2) between BS types (RYGB and SG) prior to TKA; and (3) with comparison to 2 non-BS cohorts of morbidly and nonmorbidly obese patients. MethodsWe queried a national database to identify patients undergoing BS (RYGB and SG) prior to TKA from 2010 to 2020. Timing (six-month and one-year intervals) and type of BS (RYGB and SG) were identified. Cohorts without prior BS served as comparators: BMI, kg/m2 > 40 and 20-35. Ninety-day to two-year medical/surgical complications and revisions were assessed. Multivariate regression analyses examined the risk factors for prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) and revisions. ResultsThe timing of BS (6 months and 1 year) had similar incidences of medical/surgical complications and revisions, with both lower than the BMI > 40 cohort (P < .001). Differences between types of BS were also lower than the BMI > 40 cohort (P < .001). The BMI 20-35 had lower complications and revisions among all cohorts. No differences were observed between BS timing or type as risk-factors for PJIs and revisions. ConclusionTiming (6 months or 1 year prior to TKA) and type of BS shared similar complication profiles, lower than BMI > 40 and higher than BMI 20-35. These findings support a surgeon’s decision to proceed with TKA at six months post-BS if indicated.