• ABSTRACT
    • Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is one of the most common surgeries performed in the United States and is a durable and effective option in managing osteoarthritis of the hip and knee. Recent research regarding the procedure has focused on preoperative optimization and weight loss in particular. Obesity has been shown in prior studies to increase risks associated with TJA, and, as a result, debate has focused on whether a body mass index (BMI) cutoff is a prudent tool for preoperative optimization. This article discusses the ethical dilemma of instituting a BMI cutoff and reviews current literature regarding the topic.