Elevated Body Mass Index Is Associated With Early Total Knee Revision for Infection

An elevated BMI is a risk factor for early referral to a tertiary care center for revision TKA. Specifically, orthopedic surgeons should convey to overweight and obese patients that they have at least a 130% increased relative risk and a 30% absolute risk of revision TKA for an early infection if referred for revision TKA. Patient expectations and counseling as well as reimbursement should account for the greater risks when performing a TKA on patients with an elevated BMI.