Does Surgical Approach for Total Hip Arthroplasty Impact Infection Risk in the Obese Patient? A Systematic Review.

This systematic review evaluated the combined effects of obesity and surgical approach on periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) rates after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Wound complication and PJI rates were elevated among patients with body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m or greater and 35 kg/m or greater, respectively, with the direct anterior approach (DAA). A BMI of 30 kg/m or greater also increased the risk of PJI with the posterior approach.