Outcome in Patients with High Body Mass Index following Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty

Obesity is becoming a critical problem in the developed world and is associated with an increased incidence of osteoarthritis of the hip. The Oxford Hip Score was used to determine if Body Mass Index (BMI) is an independent factor in determining patient outcome following primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). Using data from 353 operations we found that patients with BMI ≥ 30 had an absolute score that was lower preoperatively and postoperatively compared to those with a BMI < 30. There was no difference in pre- and postoperative point score change within each group; Kendall’s rank correlation was 0.00047 (95% CI, −0.073 to 0.074 (p=0.99)) and demonstrated no trend. There was no statistically significant difference in change between those with BMI ≥ 30 and < 30 (p=0.65). We suggest that those with a higher BMI be considered for THA as they can expect the same degree of improvement as those with a lower BMI. Given the on-going increase in obesity these findings could be significant for the future of THA