An eight-year study consisting of more than 8,000 patients found that as BMI increases, so too does the cost of knee surgery.
The study examined 8,129 patients who had undergone 6,475 primary total knee arthroplasties and 1,654 secondary knee operations from 2000-2008. Researchers classified patients into eight groups based on the BMI at the time of surgery to analyze how body weight impacted the procedure.
Results
Researchers found that the duration of stay and direct medical costs were lower for individuals with normal and overweight BMIs, but costs increased significantly as weight increased. Anyone with a BMI over 30 kg/m2 is classified as obese, and every 5-unit increase above and beyond 30 kg/m2 was associated with approximately $250-$300 more in hospitalization costs for primary knee arthroplasty and $600-$650 more in hospitalization costs for secondary knee arthroplasty. A higher BMI was also associated with a longer hospital stay.
In their conclusion, researchers wrote, “The effect of obesity on costs appears to be independent of obesity-related comorbid conditions and complications.”
Dr. Silverman comments
It isn’t shocking that heavier adults are prone to more complications and higher medical costs when it comes to a surgical operation. It’s simple science that a well-kept body will respond better post-surgery, especially since the knee will need to shoulder less weight.
What we need to focus on is lowering the obesity rate, especially among children. Childhood obesity is linked to numerous health and behavioral issues, and bad eating habits that start at an early age are often tough to kick.
Simply put, Americans are getting larger, and so too are our medical bills. Be responsible and create healthy meals for your children, or better yet, lead by example. Be sure to balance a healthy meal with plenty of exercise. Even if it’s just a 30-minute walk, adding exercise to your daily routine will do wonders for your health. Put down the iPad and Cheetos and be good to your body. After all, you only get one.
Related source: Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery