Clinical impact of obesity on stability following revision total hip arthroplasty

Similar outcomes have been reported for obese and nonobese patients after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), indicating obesity is not a contraindication to total hip arthroplasty. However, obese patients may develop implant failure and require revision THA. We compared the outcomes of revision THA in a matched cohort of obese and nonobese patients. Patients were stratified into two groups according to BMI (body mass index, kg/m(2)): Group 1 included 31 obese patients (BMI > 35), and Group 2 included 62 nonobese patients (BMI < 30) matched on age, gender, and type of revision procedure. Obese patients had increased total operating room time, a higher rate of discharge to a skilled nursing facility, and a higher dislocation rate (p < 0.05). Seven patients in the obese group underwent revision surgery, six of whom underwent additional reoperations to treat recurrent postoperative dislocation. Obese patients should be counseled about the increased risk of dislocation that can occur after revision THA.