They found that increased obesity classification was linked to lower Short Form-36 Physical Component Summary (PCS) score at baseline and 6-month follow-up, and that severely and morbidly obese patients displayed less postoperative functional gain compared to the other body mass index (BMI) groups. However, a greater obesity level was associated with more pain at baseline but increased postoperative pain relief, and average postoperative pain scores did not differ significantly according to BMI status. In addition, postoperative gain in PCS score did not differ by BMI level. A greater obesity level was associated with worse pain at baseline but greater pain relief at 6 months, so the average pain scores at 6 months were similar across the BMI levels. The authors argue that obesity should not in itself be a deterrent to undergoing total joint arthroplasty to relieve symptoms. Learn more...
