Does Obesity Affect Outcomes After Hip Arthroscopy? A Cohort Analysis
Authors: Gupta A, Redmond JM, Hammarstedt JE, Lindner D, Stake CE, Domb BG
DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.N.00625
Purpose
Evaluate effect of obesity on clinical and patient-reported outcomes after primary hip arthroscopy.
Methods
Prospective cohort of 680 patients stratified by BMI into non-obese, class-I obese, and class-II obese groups; outcomes measured pre-op and ≥2 years post-op.
Key Findings
- Significant improvement across all BMI groups at 2 years.
- Obese patients had lower absolute pre- and postoperative scores than non-obese.
- Degree of improvement (change from baseline) was similar across BMI categories.
Conclusion
Obese patients achieve similar relative functional improvement after hip arthroscopy despite lower absolute scores.
What Does This Mean for Providers?
- Expect meaningful clinical improvement in obese patients after arthroscopy, supporting offering surgery when indicated.
- Set realistic postoperative functional expectations with obese patients due to generally lower baseline and final scores.
- Use BMI as one factor among many in preoperative counseling, without excluding obese patients solely on weight.