919 The Effect of the Covid-19 Pandemic on BMI in Patients Awaiting Total Knee Replacement

Aim

Obesity increases the risk of postoperative complications following Total Knee Replacement (TKR). The Covid-19 pandemic has increased waiting times for TKR in the United Kingdom. It is therefore important to understand whether these prolonged waiting times are impacting patient Body Mass Index (BMI) at the time of surgery. The aim of our study was to assess for changes in BMI whilst awaiting TKR.

Method

Prospective data was collected for 54 patients who attended the pre-assessment-clinic (PAC) from January - March of 2022, before undergoing TKR. This included demographics, waiting times for surgery, and BMI on referral to Orthopaedics versus BMI at PAC.

Results

Of the 54 patients studied, 29 were female and 25 were male with a mean age of 69 years (SD 8.07). 42 patients waited ≥ 3 months for surgery, 29 waited ≥ 6 months and 2 waited ≥ 12 months. Mean waiting time was 191.5 days (SD 114.23).

33 of the 54 patients (61%) were obese (BMI ≥ 30) when listed for surgery, with a mean BMI of 31.7 (SD 4.59). Between listing for surgery and PAC review, 72% saw an increase in BMI, 24% saw a decrease and 4% saw no change. Mean BMI at PAC was 33.2 (SD 4.97) with a mean change in BMI of +1.5 since listing (SD 2.51).

Conclusions

In this study, 72% of patients gained weight while awaiting surgery and surgical waiting times were considerably higher than pre-pandemic targets (<3 months). This increase in BMI may result in increased risk of complications and patients should be counselled about it.