[Morbid obesity in total knee arthroplasty: a critical case review]

HISTORY AND ADMISSION FINDINGS: In a 66-year-old obese woman (WHO stage III, BMI 51 kg/m2) pronounced osteoarthritis of the right knee was diagnosed. Because of progressive chronic pain of the right knee joint her walking distance was limited to a few meters. Conservative therapy was exhausted. INVESTIGATIONS: Clinical examination showed a restricted and painful range of motion of the right knee and distinctive obeseness on the trunk and the extremities including a lipedema/lymphedema. TREATMENT AND COURSE: After a complicated course of treatment lasting for 220 days the total knee replacement ended in an arthrodesis combined with a gastrocnemius muscle flap. CONCLUSION: With respect to this case the high complication-rates in obese patients should be taken into account: Total knee replacement can even lead to loss of the limb in the worst case. In addition to extended preoperative examination this indication should be critically scrutinized.