Rising Body Mass Index Increased Early Complications, But Not Early Reoperations Following Aseptic Revision Total...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Biomedical engineering
• Public health

Background:

• Elevated body mass index (BMI) is a known risk factor for primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) complications.
• The association between BMI and outcomes following revision TKA (rTKA) is less understood.
• This study investigates BMI's impact on early outcomes after aseptic rTKA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the association between body mass index (BMI) and early postoperative outcomes after aseptic revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA).
• To determine if higher BMI correlates with increased risks of reoperation, readmission, or complications following rTKA.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 470 patients undergoing aseptic rTKA (2017-2022).
• Patients categorized by BMI; outcomes assessed at 30 and 90 days postoperatively.
• Multivariate regression models used to analyze the impact of BMI on reoperation, readmission, and complications.

Main Results:

• Increased BMI showed a slight association with overall reoperation (OR: 1.03) and 30-day readmission (OR: 1.05).
• Higher BMI correlated with longer hospital stays, increased need for supplemental oxygen, and prolonged postoperative hypoxemia.
• No significant associations found between BMI and 30- or 90-day reoperation, 90-day readmission, or other major/minor complications.

Conclusions:

• Revision TKA (rTKA) has high failure and complication rates compared to primary procedures.
• Increased BMI is associated with a higher risk of overall re-reoperation and early 30-day readmission after rTKA.
• Complication profiles were largely similar across BMI ranges, suggesting BMI's role in operative planning and prognosis requires further research.