Bridging the Gap Between Primary Care and Orthopedics: The Impact of Obesity on Total Knee Arthroplasty Outcomes
Work Type
Poster
Abstract
Total knee arthroplasty is a common procedure used for end-stage osteoarthritis.
Traditionally performed for older adults with a mean age of 70 years old, but there has been a recent shift towards younger patients requiring earlier intervention.
The shift is largely driven by the rising prevalence of obesity which accelerates joint degeneration.
Rising obesity rates are contributing to increased demand and earlier need for TKA in younger patients.
In the U.S. roughly 40% of the adult population is considered to be obese with a BMI of ≥ 25.
Obesity accelerates joint degeneration through:
- Mechanical mechanisms: increased load on weight bearing joints causing increased cartilage breakdown.
- Metabolic/inflammatory mechanisms; chronic inflammation contributes to increased cartilage breakdown.
Patients who are obese are more likely to: undergo a TKA at a younger age, and present with comorbidities that complicate care and increase postoperative complication rates.
Besides clinical risks, system-level challenges exist when it comes to obesity these include: BMI cutoffs limiting surgical eligibility, variability in surgeon decision-making and delays in access to care.
Publication Date
5-16-2026
Citation Information
Freeman, Blake, "Bridging the Gap Between Primary Care and Orthopedics: The Impact of Obesity on Total Knee Arthroplasty Outcomes" (2026). Student Works Physician Assistant. 15.
https://digitalcommons.dmu.edu/stu_pa/15
