Effect of body mass index on functional recovery after total knee arthroplasty in ambulatory overweight or obese women with osteoarthritis

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and functional status after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in ambulatory overweight or obese women with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: The study included 78 women who underwent elective primary TKA for osteoarthritis. Age, height, body weight and BMI were recorded. Functional status was evaluated using the Turkish version of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test was used to evaluate performance-based functional assessment. Results: Mean age of the patients was 66.5 +/- 5.8 (range: 56 to 79) years and mean duration of symptoms was 9.56 +/- 7.1 years. Body mass index was 30 or higher in 47 patients (60%) and between 25 and 29 in 31 (40%). Body mass index did not correlate with the KOOS or TUG test. Postoperative KOOS scores showed a statistically significant increase (p < 0.01). Postoperative TUG test values showed significant improvement (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Body mass index had no negative effect on functional recovery and mobility in the ambulatory overweight or obese women undergoing TKA. Physical function improved significantly after knee arthroplasty.