Office and hospital needs.

Abstract

Obesity is a national phenomenon that affects every facet of the delivery and the reception of health care. Orthopedic surgeons are not immune to these influences. This article discusses the social and physical environment in which orthopedic surgeons evaluate obese patients. Special attention should be paid in both the inpatient and outpatient arenas to the different emotional and physical needs with which obese patients present in contrast to their lean counterparts.