Abstract
Objectives:
Patellar instability may cause significant pain and disability and recurrent dislocations are often treated with reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL). Obesity is a known risk factor for complications following numerous surgical procedures, yet there exists a lack of data regarding the influence of body mass index (BMI) on outcomes following MPFL reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate complications and outcomes following isolated MPFL reconstruction in obese and non-obese patients. We hypothesized that patients with a BMI ≥ 30 would exhibit increased complication risk and worse patient-reported outcomes.
Methods:
A billing query identified all patients at one academic medical center who underwent isolated MPFL reconstruction over an 8 year period. Chart review extracted demographic, physical exam, radiographic, surgical, and complication data. Patients were contacted and outcomes were assessed with the Norwich Patellar Instability (NPI) score, Marx activity rating, and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Complications and outcomes were compared based on the presence of a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2.
Results:
A total of 161 patients who underwent isolated MPFL reconstruction were included. Of this cohort, there were115 with BMI < 30 and 46 with BMI ≥ 30. Early outcomes (time in brace, time to weight bearing) and postop complications (deep vein thrombosis, infection, pain, repeat dislocation/instability) were similar between groups (p>0.50). A total of 97 patients (60%) completed patient-reported outcomes at a mean of 5 years post-operative, with no differences noted in patient- reported outcomes based on BMI (Table).
Conclusions:
Obesity (defined as BMI ≥ 30) was not associated with increased complications of poorer patient- reported outcomes 5 years following isolated MPFL reconstruction.
