A classification of contour deformities after bariatric weight loss: the Pittsburgh Rating Scale

Contour deformities after massive weight loss are diverse and often severe in nature. Current progress has necessitated a valid, accessible, and comprehensive rating system that correlates appearance and appropriate surgical treatment. Presently, no existing rating system addresses the breadth and variety of deformities that can occur or allows for adequate postsurgical evaluation.

The authors reviewed full-body photographs of over 300 female patients seen between October of 2002 and May of 2004. The authors targeted body areas most frequently demonstrating skin and soft-tissue laxity and ptosis. A 10-region, four-point grading system was designed to describe the common deformities found in each region of the body. To validate the scale, 12 trained observers applied the rating scale to photographs of 25 patients who showed the 10 regions. Each grading scale ranged from 0, indicating normal, to 3, indicating the most severe deformity. Repeat testing was performed at 2 weeks. Interobserver validity and test-retest reliability were determined using weighted kappa analysis.

In all 10 categories, the kappa value was 0.6 or higher (0.6 = threshold for good validity), with a mean kappa value of 0.68 (range, 0.61 to 0.78) and an overall agreement of 69 percent over two sessions. All 12 observers scored an individual mean kappa value of greater than 0.6, indicating good interobserver validity. A given observer had a mean 67 percent agreement, indicating reasonable test-retest reliability.

The Pittsburgh Rating Scale is a validated measure of contour deformities after bariatric weight loss. This scale may have applications in preoperative planning and evaluating surgical outcomes.