The Effect of Obesity in Shoulder Arthroplasty Outcomes and Complications.

The effect of obesity in shoulder arthroplasty has been recently reported in the literature with different and conflicting results. This review analyzes the role of obesity on outcomes and complications in shoulder arthroplasty. Morbid obesity (body mass index >40 kg/m2), more than standard obesity, is associated with a longer operative time, higher complication rate, reoperation rate and superficial infection. Obesity does not have a detrimental effect on functional outcomes. The magnitude of functional improvement in obese patients, however, can be inferior to that in nonobese patients. Obesity and morbid obesity do not increase hospital charges.