Does obesity affect fracture healing in children?

Socioeconomic Status Affects Postoperative Time to Union in Pediatric Patients with a Surgically Treated Fracture

Fractures account for 10% to 25% of all pediatric injuries, and surgical treatment is common. In such cases, postoperative healing can be affected by a number of factors, including those related to socioeconomic status (SES). The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between time to fracture union and SES, which was measured with use of the median household income (MHI) and Child Opportunity Index (COI).

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted of pediatric patients with a long-bone fracture that had been surgically treated at a Level-I pediatric trauma center between January 2010 and June 2020. Demographic and relevant medical data were collected. Patients were sorted into union and nonunion groups. The ZIP code of each patient was collected and the MHI and COI of that ZIP code were identified. Income brackets were created in increments of $10,000 ranging from $20,000 to $100,000, with an additional category of >$100,000, and patients were sorted into these groups according to MHI. Comparisons among the income groups and among the union status groups were conducted for each of the collected variables. A multiple regression analysis was utilized to determine the independent effect of each variable on time to union.

Results

A total of 395 patients were included in the final sample, of whom 51% identified as Hispanic. Patients in the union group had a higher mean COI and MHI. Nonunion occurred in only 8 patients. Patients who achieved fracture union in ≤4 months had a significantly higher mean COI and MHI. When controlling for other demographic variables, the time to union increased by a mean of 9.6 days for every $10,000 decrease in MHI and increased by a mean of 6.8 days for every 10-unit decrease in the COI.

Conclusions

The present study is the first, to our knowledge, to investigate the relationship between SES and time to fracture union in pediatric patients. When controlling for other demographic factors, we found a significant relationship between SES and time to union in pediatric patients with a surgically treated fracture. Further investigations of the relationship between SES and time to union in pediatric patients are needed to determine potential mechanisms for this relationship.

Level of Evidence

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The Insidious Effects of Childhood Obesity on Orthopedic Injuries and Deformities

The current childhood obesity epidemic, affecting approximately 20% of American children and adolescents, is accompanied by unique orthopedic manifestations. The growing musculoskeletal system is susceptible to the endocrine effects of obesity, resulting in decreased bone mass and quality. As a result, obese children are at increased risk of musculoskeletal injury, fracture, and lower extremity deformities. The efficacy of nonoperative treatment such as casting or bracing may be limited by body habitus and surgical treatment is accompanied by increased risk of perioperative complications.

Identifying Risk Factors for Nonunion of the Modified Lapidus Procedure for the Correction of Hallux Valgus

There is a paucity of literature characterizing risk factors for nonunion associated with the modified Lapidus procedure for correction of hallux valgus. The purpose of this study was to evaluate risk factors associated with nonunion for Lapidus bunionectomies. Patients who underwent modified Lapidus procedure from 2009 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient's age, sex, body mass index, prior bunionectomy, history of tobacco use, presence of diabetes mellitus or hypothyroidism, and fixation method were recorded along with pre- and postoperative radiographic parameters. A multiple logistic regression analysis was implemented to estimate the odds of nonunion. Of the 222 patients who met inclusion criteria, nonunion with modified Lapidus procedure was observed in 20 patients (9.01%). Odds of nonunion with modified Lapidus procedure were greater for patients who had undergone previous bunionectomy (odds ratio [OR] = 3.957, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.021-15.338), as body mass index increased (OR = 1.091, 95% CI: 1.018-1.170), and as preoperative HV angle increased (OR = 1.108, 95% CI: 1.020-1.203). Odds of nonunion were lower for patients as preoperative intermetatarsal angle increased (OR = 0.739, 95% CI: 0.580-0.941). No significant increased odds of nonunion were found between fixation methods.

Obesity Increases Time to Union in Surgically Treated Pediatric Fracture Patients

Introduction:

To determine whether obesity affects time to radiographic union in surgically treated pediatric extremity fractures.

Methods:

A retrospective review of pediatric patients with extremity fractures at a Level 1 trauma center from 2010 to 2020. Those treated conservatively and patients with nonunions were excluded. Union was defined as radiographic evidence of bridging callus on all sides of the fracture and absence of the previous fracture line.

Results:

Obese patients had a markedly increased time to union when compared with others, even when age, sex, fracture type, race, and ethnicity were controlled for. The mean time to union for obese and nonobese patients were 152 and 93.59 days, respectively (P < 0.001). Obese patients had 3.39 times increased odds of having increased time to union. Obese patients had 6.64 times increased odds of having fractures with delayed union of 4 months or greater (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

There is a positive correlation between obesity and time to union in surgically treated pediatric fracture patients.

Associations of childhood overweight and obesity with upper-extremity fracture characteristics

Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic in the United States, and is associated with an increased risk of lower-extremity physeal fractures, and fractures requiring operative intervention. However, no study has assessed the risk upper extremity physeal fractures among overweight children. Our purpose was to compare the following upper-extremity fracture characteristics in overweight and obese children with those of normal-weight/underweight children (herein, "normal weight"): mechanism of injury, anatomical location, fracture pattern, physeal involvement, and treatment types. We hypothesized that overweight and obese children would be higher risk for physeal and complete fractures with low-energy mechanisms and would therefore more frequently require operative intervention compared with normal-weight children.We performed a cross-sectional review of our database of 608 patients aged 2 to 16 years, and included patients who sustained isolated upper-extremity fractures at our level-1 pediatric tertiary care center from January 2014 to August 2017. Excluded were patients who sustained pathologic fractures and those without basic demographic or radiologic information. Using body mass index percentile for age and sex, we categorized patients as obese (≥95th percentile), overweight (85th to <95th percentile), normal weight (5th to <85th percentile), or underweight (<5th percentile). The obese and overweight groups were analyzed both separately and as a combined overweight/obese group. Demographic data included age, sex, height, and weight. Fractures were classified based on fracture location, fracture pattern (transverse, comminuted, buckle, greenstick, avulsion, or oblique), physeal involvement, and treatment type. Of the 608 patients, 58% were normal weight, 23% were overweight, and 19% were obese. There were no differences in the mean ages or sex distributions among the 3 groups.Among patients with low-energy mechanisms of injury, overweight/obese patients had significantly greater proportions of complete fractures compared with normal-weight children (complete: 65% vs 55%, P = .001; transverse: 43% vs 27%, P = .006). In addition, the overweight/obese group sustained significantly more upper-extremity physeal fractures (37%) than did the normal-weight group (23%) (P = .007).Compared with those in normal-weight children, upper-extremity fracture patterns differ in overweight and obese children, who have higher risk of physeal injuries and complete fractures caused by low-energy mechanisms.Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Do polyunsaturated fatty acids protect against bone loss in our aging and osteoporotic population?

Age-related bone loss is inevitable in both men and women and there will soon be more people of extreme old age than ever before. Osteoporosis is a common chronic disease and as the proportion of older people, rate of obesity and the length of life increases, a rise in age-related degenerating bone diseases, disability, and prolonged dependency is projected. Fragility fractures are one of the most severe complications associated with both primary and secondary osteoporosis and current treatment strategies target weight-bearing exercise and pharmacological intervention, both with limited long-term success. Obesity and osteoporosis are intimately interrelated, and diet is a variable that plays a significant role in bone regeneration and repair. The Western Diet is characterized by its unhealthy components, specifically excess amounts of saturated fat intake. This review examines the impact of saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acid consumption on chronic inflammation, osteogenesis, bone architecture, and strength and explores the hypothesis that dietary polyunsaturated fats have a beneficial effect on osteogenesis, reducing bone loss by decreasing chronic inflammation, and activating bone resorption through key cellular and molecular mechanisms in our aging population. We conclude that aging, obesity and a diet high in saturated fatty acids significantly impairs bone regeneration and repair and that consumption of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids is associated with significantly increased bone regeneration, improved microarchitecture and structural strength. However, ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids were typically pro-inflammatory and have been associated with an increased fracture risk. This review suggests a potential role for ω-3 fatty acids as a non-pharmacological dietary method of reducing bone loss in our aging population. We also conclude that contemporary amendments to the formal nutritional recommendations made by the Food and Nutrition Board may be necessary such that our aging population is directly considered.

Obesity and recovery of muscle strength after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in pediatric patients

PURPOSE:

To explore factors influencing muscle strength after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) in pediatric patients. We hypothesized that obesity/overweight, autograft hamstring tendon, and concomitant injuries would be associated with slower muscle recovery.

METHODS:

We retrospectively reviewed the records of pediatric ACLR patients during a 3-year period. Muscle recovery was defined as ≥85% of peak torque compared with the contralateral side. We categorized patients as either obese/overweight or normal weight. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney U, analysis of variance, and χ² tests ( α level < 0.05).

RESULTS:

The study group consisted of 330 patients, of whom 198 (60%) and 231 (70%) met quadriceps and hamstring recovery criteria, respectively, at final testing (mean: 7.0 ± 3.2 months). Patients recovered hamstring and quadriceps strength at a mean of 5.3 ± 2.2 months and 6.1 ± 2.3 months, respectively. Hamstring muscle recovery took significantly longer in obese/overweight patients (mean: 5.7 ± 2.2 months) versus normal-weight patients (mean: 5.1 ± 2.1 months; p = 0.025), but quadriceps recovery did not (obese/overweight mean: 6.5 ± 2.6 months; normal-weight mean: 5.9 ± 2.1 months; p = 0.173).

CONCLUSION:

Concomitant injuries and graft type were not associated with length of time to recovery of muscle strength. Obesity/overweight was associated with delay in recovery of hamstring but not quadriceps strength.

Risk factors associated with non-union after triple pelvic osteotomy (Toennis and Kalchschmidt technique): a case-control study and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Dysplasia of the hip is a well known cause of secondary osteoarthritis of the hip. The triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO), according to the technique described by Toennis and Kalchschmidt, is a well established procedure to address dysplasia of the hip joint. Non-unions after triple pelvic osteotomies are rare and can occur at each of these osteotomies. The literature is lacking in studies investigating larger group of patients with non-unions after triple pelvic osteotomy. The aim of this study is to evaluate risk factors leading to a non-union after triple pelvic osteotomy.

METHODS

A total of 53 patients with a non-union after triple pelvic osteotomy were included in this retrospective case-control. In addition, we identified a cohort of randomly selected patients undergoing hardware removal after triple pelvic osteotomy ("union" group) but had not developed non-union as the control group. This control group underwent the same procedure by the same group of surgeons in the same time period. The variables obtained from the review of the two groups were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods including Bivariable Analysis (p < 0.005) and Multivariable logistic regression analysis (p < 0.015).

RESULTS

We identified a total of 53 patients out of the 3269 who had undergone TPO and had developed a non-union. The control group consisted of 117 patients who did not experience a non-union. Bivariable analysis of basic demographic characteristics demonstrated that gender, BMI, smoking, preoperative CE angle and degree of surgical correction did not differ significantly between the groups. There was a statistically significant (p < 0.05) difference between age (31.5 ± 9.4 vs. 27.5 ± 9.0 in the non-union and union groups, respectively; p = < 0.001) and postoperative CE angle (34.4 ± 5.0 vs. 32.8 ± 3.5 in the non-union and union groups, respectively; p = 0.02). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that an age over 30 was significantly associated with non-union (p = 0.01, OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.3-5.3).

CONCLUSION

Non-unions after TPO are rare. A higher age and higher degree of surgical correction might be associated risk factors for developing a non-union. Furthermore, smoking, obesity and previous hip surgeries might also contribute to developing a non-union after triple pelvic osteotomy.

Disability and return to work after MRI on suspicion of scaphoid fracture: Influence of MRI pathology and occupational mechanical exposures

Objectives

We aimed to determine the prognosis after early MRI on clinical suspicion of scaphoid fracture, hypothesising that MRI pathology is associated with more disability and that MRI pathology and high occupational mechanical hand-arm exposures are associated with slower return to work (RTW).

Methods

We conducted a follow-up study of a cohort of 469 patients, who were scanned in the period 2006 to 2010. The respondents constituted our cohort for disability analysis and the subset that was in the labour market at the time of the trauma constituted our sub-cohort for RTW analysis. Questionnaires included disability scores, job title, and lifestyle factors. Job titles were linked with a job exposure matrix to estimate occupational exposures. Register information was obtained on time until RTW. We used logistic regression analysis of disability and Cox regression analysis of time until RTW.

Results

The proportion that responded was 53% (249/469) for the disability analysis and 59% (125/212) for the RTW analysis. The mean age at follow up was 43.5 years, the mean time since trauma was 4.8 years, 53% had injury of the dominant hand, and 54% had MRI pathology. Men constituted 43% of the cohort and 56% of the sub-cohort. MRI pathology was not associated with more disability [e.g., for a 'Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand'-score ≥20 the odds ratio was 0.58 (95% confidence interval 0.26–1.17)]. Patients without MRI pathology and with low occupational exposures were off work for an average of four weeks. Patients with MRI pathology or high occupational exposures were off work for twice as long time.

Conclusion

MRI pathology was not associated with more disability. For patients, who were in the labour market at the time of the trauma, MRI pathology and high occupational mechanical hand-arm exposures were associated with slower RTW.

Obesity's Influence on Operative Management of Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures

BACKGROUND

As childhood obesity remains an ongoing issue for the United States there has been an increasing number of studies detailing its effect on fracture complexity, management, and outcomes. This study utilizes a national database to examine whether obese children with supracondylar humerus fractures are more likely to require open reduction and internal fixation than nonobese children.

METHODS

The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kid's Inpatient Database of 2003, 2006, 2009, 2012 were queried for pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures [International Classification of Disease (ICD-9), 812.41] between 2 and 12 years. Patients were separated into those undergoing closed reduction percutaneous pinning (CRPP), open reduction internal fixation (ORIF), or both. Obesity was determined by comorbidity and ICD-9 coding (ICD-9, 278.00, 278.01). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were utilized with P<0.05 considered significant.

RESULTS

Between 2003 and 2012, 31,905 patients between the ages of 2 and 12 years sustained supracondylar humerus fractures. In total, 105 patients (0.3%) were obese. A majority of patients, 27,658 (86.7%), underwent CRPP. Odds for ORIF increased in association with age, obesity, white race, and private insurance. Significant association was found between age and obesity (P<0.05) in those undergoing ORIF. Obese children between 2 and 7 years of age had no difference in ORIF or CRPP compared with normal-weight children. Those between 8 and 12 years who were obese were significantly more likely to undergo ORIF (OR, 4.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.78-10.36).

CONCLUSIONS

Supracondylar humerus fractures sustained in obese children between 8 and 12 years are over 4 times more likely to require ORIF compared with normal-weight children of the same age. Providers should identify and counsel older obese children and their families regarding the potential for increased difficulty in fracture management that may require open surgical intervention.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV-case series.

Residual Neurological Symptoms After Peripheral Nerve Blocks for Pediatric Knee Surgery

BACKGROUND

Peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs) provide excellent pain control and reduce the need for systemic analgesics in orthopaedic surgery. PNBs rarely cause complications; however, a few studies of adults have reported neurological complications during the early postoperative period. We investigated complications associated with the use of PNBs during pediatric knee surgery.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of all 121 children (aged ≤18 y) who underwent knee surgery by 1 orthopaedic surgeon between October 2014 and September 2016. One hundred of these patients had PNBs. The primary outcome of interest was postoperative neurological symptoms. Other study parameters were patient characteristics, surgical details, tourniquet use/duration of use, PNB guidance method and anatomic location, and PNB-associated procedural complications (eg, blood loss, anesthetic neurotoxicity). Data were analyzed using Student t tests and Fisher exact tests, with significance at P<0.05.

RESULTS

Of the 100 patients with PNBs, 23 had persistent lower-extremity paresthesias postoperatively. Most paresthesias were attributed to the surgical procedure; however, at first follow-up (mean, 1.6±0.4 wk) 6 patients had paresthesias and other neurological symptoms proximal to the knee in a distribution pattern consistent with the PNB. Three of these were unresolved at last follow-up (mean, 56±37 wk). All neurological symptoms were associated with femoral nerve blocks. The 6 patients with suspected PNB-associated neurological symptoms had a significantly higher mean BMI (31±5.5) than the 94 patients without symptoms (23±6.1; P=0.002). Obesity was associated with PNB-associated neurological symptoms (P=0.002), as was female sex (P<0.001). No significant differences were found in terms of age, surgery duration, or tourniquet use/duration of use. Most PNB procedures used ultrasound guidance, and no procedural complications were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with previous studies, we report a higher rate (6%) of PNB-associated neurological symptoms in children after knee surgery with PNBs. Obesity and female sex were associated with persistent neurological symptoms in the distribution pattern of the PNB.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III (retrospective comparative study).

Effect of Obesity on Bone Healing After Foot and Ankle Long Bone Fractures

As obesity has become more common, fractures in the obese population have become more frequent. Concern exists regarding alterations in bone health and healing in obese patients. A matched case-control study was performed at 1 institution to evaluate whether an association exists between nonunion and a high body mass index in metatarsal and ankle fractures. A total of 48 patients with nonunion were identified, and control patients matched 2 to 1 (n = 96) were selected. The control patients were matched for age, sex, and fracture type. No association was identified between nonunion and the continuous body mass index (p = .23) or morbid obesity, with a body mass index of ≥40 kg/m² (p = .51). However, the results from both univariate and multivariate analysis suggested that patients with a current alcohol problem or a history of an alcohol problem might have a greater risk of nonunion. The odds ratio of a patient with a history of alcohol use experiencing nonunion was 2.7 (95% confidence interval 1.2 to 6.2). Further studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

Obesity is associated with increased postoperative complications after total elbow arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Obesity has become a significant public health concern in the United States. Few published data have examined the association between obesity and postoperative complications after total elbow arthroplasty (TEA).

METHODS

Patients who underwent TEA were identified using the PearlDiver database Current Procedural Terminology codes. Patients were divided into obese and nonobese cohorts using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes. Each cohort was then assessed for major and minor complications within 90 days postoperatively. Odds ratios, 95% confidence intervals, and χ(2) tests were calculated, with P < .05 considered significant.

RESULTS

From 2005 to 2011, 7580 patients who underwent TEA were identified, of whom 1030 patients (14%) were coded as obese (body mass index > 30) and 611 patients (8%) were coded as morbidly obese (body mass index > 40). The obese TEA patients had increased risk of 90-day major and minor complications. The rate of postoperative venous thromboembolism differed significantly between groups, with a trend toward a higher venous thromboembolism rate in obese patients (2.2%) vs. nonobese patients (0.7%). Rate of postoperative stiffness was similar between groups. Infection rates were higher in obese patients compared with nonobese patients. Medical complications were higher in obese patients (16.7%) compared with the nonobese cohort (4.7%). A significant difference in implant removal was notable at 6 months and 1 year in morbidly obese patients compared with nonobese counterparts.

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity and associated medical comorbidities place patients at increased risk for complications after TEA. Obese patients and especially morbidly obese patients thinking of undergoing TEA should be appropriately counseled preoperatively about their increased risk for complications.

Obesity is associated with increased postoperative complications after operative management of proximal humerus fractures

BACKGROUND

Obesity has become a significant public health concern in the United States. The goal of this study was to assess the effect of obesity on postoperative complications after operative management of proximal humerus fractures by use of a national database.

METHODS

Patients who underwent operative management of a proximal humerus fracture were identified in a national database by Current Procedural Terminology codes for procedures in patients with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes for proximal humerus fracture, including (1) open reduction and internal fixation, (2) intramedullary nailing, (3) hemiarthroplasty, and (4) total shoulder arthroplasty. These groups were then divided into obese and nonobese cohorts by use of ICD-9 codes for obesity, morbid obesity, or body mass index >30. Each cohort was then assessed for local and systemic complications within 90 days and mortality within 2 years postoperatively. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated.

RESULTS

From 2005 to 2011, 20,319 patients who underwent operative management of proximal humerus fractures were identified, including 14,833 (73.0%) open reduction and internal fixation, 1368 (9.2%) intramedullary nail, 3391 (16.7%) hemiarthroplasty, and 727 (3.6%) shoulder arthroplasty. Overall, 3794 patients (18.7%) were coded as obese, morbidly obese, or body mass index >30. In each operative group, obesity was associated with a substantial increase in local and systemic complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity and its resultant medical comorbidities are associated with increased rates of postoperative complications after operative management of proximal humerus fractures. Obese patients for whom operative management of proximal humerus fractures is planned should be counseled preoperatively about their increased risk for postoperative complications.

Underweight, overweight, and pediatric bone fragility: impact and management

Skeletal health is modulated by a variety of factors, including genetic makeup, hormonal axes, and environment. Across all ages, extremes of body weight may exert a deleterious effect on bone accretion and increase fracture risk. The incidence of both anorexia nervosa and obesity, each involving extreme alterations in body composition, is rising among youth, and secondary osteoporosis is increasingly being diagnosed among affected children and adolescents. Compared with the elderly, the definition of osteoporosis that stems from any underlying condition differs for the pediatric population and special precautions are required with regard to treatment of young patients. Early recognition and management of both underweight and overweight youth and the accompanying consequences on bone and mineral metabolism are essential for preservation of skeletal health, although prevention of bone loss and optimization of bone mineral accrual remain the most important protective measures.

Increased Body Mass Index Negatively Affects Patient Satisfaction After a Posterior Fusion and Instrumentation for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Previous studies have reported the correlation of body mass index (BMI) with non-spine surgical outcomes; however, only a few reviewed the correlation of BMI to outcomes after spine surgery.

OBJECTIVES

To review the influence of preoperative BMI on the follow-up clinical and functional outcomes after posterior-only fusion (PSF) and instrumentation for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in a larger patient cohort.

METHODS

Retrospective review of a consecutive series of patients treated with PSF for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis from 2002 to 2009 at a single institution. There were 3 categories: underweight (UW), normal weight (NML), and overweight (OW). Percent correction of the major curve was collected at 2 years postoperatively and patient outcome scores were analyzed preoperatively and at 2 years postoperatively. Differences between groups were analyzed using analysis of variance, with p < .05.

RESULTS

A total of 459 patients at an average age of 15.0 years (range, 10.0-21.3 years) treated with PSF instrumentation were included. At 2 years, all groups achieved and maintained equal percent correction with no differences between groups. Regarding preoperative Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) outcome scores, OW patients reported more pain than NML (p = .002) and UW patients (p < .001) despite less reported activity than for the NML (p = .033) and UW groups (p = .005). The total SRS score was also lower in the OW patients compared with NML (p = .009) and UW patients (p = .002). At 2 years, the OW group reported more pain than the UW (p = .031) and NML groups (p = .018), lower mental scores (p = .011) and lower SRS total scores (p = .005) than the NML group.

CONCLUSIONS

At follow-up, preoperative overweight adolescents reported more pain and lower mental, activity, and appearance domain scores after surgery than UW and NML patients despite equal percent curve correction. This information may help the surgeon with preoperative counseling of OW patients by stressing that their own assessment of outcome is influenced by BMI, which may help promote a healthy weight management program in this patient group.

Obesity in orthopedics and trauma surgery

In 2012, 32.3% of the French population over 18 years of age was considered overweight (25 ≤ BMI<30 kg/m(2)) and 15% obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m(2)). Worldwide, 2.8 million people die every year from the complications of obesity. In 2008, the prevalence of obesity was almost double that of 1980. Obesity is a genuine concern for the orthopedic surgeon, as it affects bones and soft tissues on the biomechanical and biochemical level. In traumatology, low-energy trauma is more frequent in obese patients and induces complex comminutive fractures of the extremities. In orthopedics, obesity is an independent risk factor for osteoarthritis, particularly for the knee joint. The goals of this review are to describe specific aspects of the care of obese patients in trauma and orthopedics surgery during the pre-, intra- and postoperative periods, as well as the risk-benefit ratio related to the treatment of the obese patients.