Total hip arthroplasty does not aid weight loss

INTRODUCTION Increased body mass index (BMI) is associated with the development of osteoarthritis of the hip. Many overweight patients with an arthritic hip cite restricted mobility and pain as impeding factors in their attempts to lose weight. There is an assumption that weight loss will occur after their surgery due to increased mobility. PATIENTS AND METHODS The records of 180 patients who had undergone total hip arthroplasty (THA) were reviewed to identify BMI prior to, and 2 years after, surgery. RESULTS BMI significantly increased postoperatively, both in patients with a pre-operative BMI in the recommended range (P < 0.001) and in those whose pre-operative BMI was indicative of obesity (P= 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Irrespective of pre-operative BMI, reduction in body mass index did not occur following hip replacement surgery.