Patient experiences of BMI-restricted TKR/THR
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Patient experiences of being asked to lose weight before proceeding to total knee or hip replacement: a qualitative study.
IRAS ID
352709
Contact name
Philippa Nicolson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Oxford Research Governance, Ethics and Assurance
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Total knee or hip replacement surgery is effective at improving quality of life for patients with advanced osteoarthritis. Body mass index (BMI) is considered a measure of obesity. Studies have found that having a high BMI increases a person’s risk of surgical complications during total knee or hip replacement, but there is not consistent evidence that having a high BMI means people will have worse outcomes long-term. Currently, across the NHS, most regions restrict access to total knee or hip replacement for people with a high BMI. This BMI threshold varies between regions, and there is no defined pathway for patients whose BMI is above the threshold.
The aim of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of patients’ experiences of being asked to lose weight before proceeding to total knee or hip replacement, and their pathway following the consultation when this was discussed. We will conduct qualitative interviews with patients who have been reviewed by the orthopaedic team for consideration of total knee or hip replacement for osteoarthritis, who have a BMI ≥35, and who have been asked to lose weight before proceeding to total knee or hip replacement surgery. These interviews will take place via videoconference [using Microsoft Teams] or over the telephone. Interviews will be audio-recorded and will be analysed using established qualitative methods.
This study will benefit patients in the future by providing a better understanding of the experiences of people who have been referred for consideration of total knee or hip replacement, and have been asked to lose weight before proceeding to surgery. We plan to use findings from this study to help us to develop consistent information for patients, guidance for clinicians and to change pathways to improve future patient experiences.
REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 1
REC reference
25/ES/0045
Date of REC Opinion
7 Jul 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion