All-cause in-hospital complications and urinary tract infections increased in obese patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty

The aims of this study were to determine the rates of in-hospital complications, discharge disposition, and length of stay for patients with varying degrees of obesity. We identified 4718 patients who underwent TKA between 2007 and 2010. After adjusting for age, sex, race, education, Deyo-Charlson comorbidity index, insurance, and discharge disposition, obese patients were more likely to develop any in-hospital complication (6.4% vs. 4.8%, respectively; P= 0.0097; OR = 1.5). When analyzing specific in-hospital complications, obese patients were more likely to suffer urinary tract infections (P= 0.0029). They were also more likely to be discharged to a rehabilitation facility (P= 0.001). There was no significant difference in other postoperative complications. In summary, obese patients undergoing primary TKA are at increased risk for all-cause in-hospital complications and urinary tract infections and are more likely to be discharged to a rehabilitation facility.