Functional Outcomes of Total Knee Arthroplasty in Obese Versus Non-Obese Patients

Author(s): Sanjay Kumar Sureen, Vinod Kumar Singhal, Faris Dawood Alaswad, Hassan Yousuf Bilal, Omer Elfaroug Amin Mohammed, Dr Adil Mohammed Suleman, Nufra Senopher, Dr. Adel Mohamed Yasin Alsisi

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess and compare the functional outcomes of Total Knee Arthroplasty in obese and non-obese patients, with a particular focus on postoperative recovery trajectories, complication profiles, and patient-reported satisfaction.

Methodology: This extensive investigation was conducted over one year as a comparable observational study at a sizable tertiary care orthopedic centre with high patient volumes. A total of 120 patients who had been diagnosed with advanced knee osteoarthritis and scheduled for elective primary total knee arthroplasty surgeries were enrolled and sorted into two cohort’s dependents on BMI: Group A consisting of obese patients with a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or higher and Group B comprising non-obese patients with a BMI less than 30 kg/m2. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 25 software, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: The investigation revealed that while both sets encountered noteworthy practical advancements after TKA, non-corpulent patients showed progressively positive results over the more significant part of measurements. At the half-year postoperative check, Group B exhibited higher normal KSS and lowered WOMAC scores, demonstrating ideal joint capacity and diminished torment. Corpulent patients, then again, looked with more extended operational circumstances, expanded intraoperative blood misfortune, deferred walking, and an exceptionally higher intricacy rate (28.3% contrasted with 6.6%). In any case, fulfilment levels were generally high in the two gatherings. However, more individuals from Group A revealed being "exceptionally fulfilled." Measurements uncovered a critical roundabout connection between BMI and the degree of pragmatic improvement, recommending that expanding body weight contrarily impacted the degree of postoperative recuperation. The outcomes unmistakably demonstrated that non-obese patients accomplished quicker recuperation and progressively positive results over a more drawn-out term when contrasted with their heavier partners in the investigation. While all patients profited hugely from the medical procedure, it is evident that overseeing weight before and after TKA can go far toward guaranteeing more prominent triumph and personal satisfaction.

Conclusion: Total knee arthroplasty provided clear advantages for overweight patients and individuals who maintained a healthy weight, considerably improving mobility and quality of life. Nevertheless, excess weight contributed to heightened surgical risks, a slower recovery of movement capabilities, and a diminished probability of achieving ultimate goals. These findings underscored the importance of a comprehensive preoperative assessment, personalized plans for shedding pounds, and customized postsurgical rehabilitation to maximize the chances of a favourable outcome for overweight persons deciding on TKA. Weight-bearing joints like the knee continuously carry the load for ambulation and other activities of daily living. Regardless of weight status, restoring joint functionality through TKA enhanced independence and daily functioning. However, diet and exercise interventions aimed at trimming pounds before and after surgery could help overweight patients optimize results.