Weight Is a Predictor of Delayed Operation Time in Primary Isolated Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Few studies have evaluated the impact of obesity on operation time in patients with ACL reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to understand the effect of obesity on operation time in patients with arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

A total of 103 patients were included. The mean pure operation time was 45.9 ± 13.4 min. Considering that 15 min incremental increases in operation time are an independent risk factor for complications, all patients were classified into two groups according to operation time: more or less than 61 min. Demographic data were compared between both groups. Pure operation time was defined as operative time without suture time (pure operation time = suture start time - operation start time). Correlation analysis between demographic data and pure operation time was performed, and multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of pure operation time.

The pure operation time ≥61 min group (n = 34) had a 14.7 kg higher weight and 4.5 kg/m² higher body mass index (BMI) than those with pure operation time < 61 min (n = 69). Weight (r = 0.635, p < 0.001) and BMI (r = 0.584, p < 0.001) were positively correlated with operation time. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that weight (β = 0.635, p < 0.001) was the only predictor of operation time. A weight of 74.25 kg was a cut-off value for a pure operation time of >61 min.

The weight and BMI of the group with pure operation time of ≥61 min were 14.7 kg and 4.5 kg/m² higher, respectively. The weight of patients with ACL tears was a factor affecting delay in the operation time. Patients weighing over 74.25 kg were more likely to delay ACL reconstruction.