The impact of obesity on resource utilization among patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty

Purpose The presence of obesity poses a challenge for clinical and administrative staff in the peri-operative setting. Evidence indicates that obesity may increase peri-operative complications. However, data on resource utilization in patients undergoing total knee and hip arthroplasty remain rare. Using national data, we sought to determine whether increasing levels of patient obesity is associated with greater resource utilization. We hypothesized that patient care in individuals with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40 is associated with longer operative and anaesthetic times, longer hospital stays, and greater readmission rates.