Here are four key facts:
1. More than 38 percent of the American population is affected by obesity.
2. Researchers conducting the study identified 301 patients with multiple orthopedic injuries at a Level 1 trauma center from 2006 to 2011. Patients found to have a BMI of less than 30 kg/m² were categorized as non-obese, and those who measured more than 30 kg/m² were considered obese.
3. The patients with obesity were divided into Class I (patients with a BMI between 30 kg/m² and 35 kg/m²) and Class II (patients with a BMI greater than 35 kg/m²).
4. The results were as follows:
- Patients with obesity had an increased risk of surgery. Seventy-two percent of the obese patients required surgical treatment, and nearly 55 percent of non-obese patients required surgical treatment. Sixty-seven percent of Class I patients had surgery, while 93.3 percent of Class II patients required surgery.
- Patients with a normal BMI had shorter hospital stays, staying for 7.2 days average in the ICU and 12.4 days average for the hospital total. Patients with obesity had a mean stay of 9.7 days average in the ICU and 16.4 days average for the hospital total.
- The average hospital costs for non-obese patients were $160,606.02, and for obese patients the average costs were $234,863.58.
- A greater number of Class II patients required a discharge to a continuing care facility.
More articles on orthopedics:
WellSpan Health, MedExpress Urgent Care to collaborate: 4 quick facts
Dr. Akhil Sastry to teach direct anterior hip replacement surgery course: 3 points
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery appoints Dr. Thomas Vail VP: 4 notes
At the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, taking place June 11-13 in Chicago, spine surgeons, orthopedic leaders and ASC executives will come together to explore minimally invasive techniques, ASC growth strategies and innovations shaping the future of outpatient spine care. Apply for complimentary registration now.
