Safety of Ambulatory Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty in Patients with Obesity.

Diltz, Zachary R; Zalewski, Jacob T; Mosher, Zachary A; Gailey, Andrew D; Eason, Robert R; Holland, Christopher Thomas; Mihalko, William M; Ford, Marcus C · Orthop Clin North Am · 2025

review · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is increasingly performed in ambulatory settings with equivalent safety as inpatient procedures, and obesity is a risk factor for osteoarthritis. Patient selection is critical to avoid potential complications in those with comorbidities. This study aims to review the current body of literature and evaluate the safety of ambulatory TJA with planned same-day discharge in patients with a body mass index greater than 35. Multiple studies have reported increased complication rates with TJA in patients with obesity; however, obesity alone should not prevent patients from being considered for outpatient TJA in the ambulatory setting.

Medical subject headings

Anatomy