Outcomes Related to the Body Mass Index and Injury Period Following Meniscial Repair

Abstract

Aim: Our study was to assess the outcome of meniscal repair surgery with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, focusing in particular on meniscal healing. Material and Method: We analyzed whether the time elapsed between the injury and the surgery affected the activity scores as measured by the Tegner Activity Scale, Modified Lysholm Knee Scoring, and Barrett criteria. Similarly, we analyzed whether body mass index (BMI) affected the activity scores. Result: The average BMI of the patients was 23.99 +/- 3.64 kg/m2 (range: 19.9-34). BMI was graded as underweight (18.5 kg/m2 or less), normal weight (18.5 kg/m2 to 24.99 kg/m2), overweight (25 kg/m2 to 29.99 kg/m2), or obese (30 kg/m2 to 39.99 kg/m2). Patients were divided into two groups. Overweight and obese patients were included in one group, and patients of normal weight or underweight were included in the other group. Out of a total of 34 patients, 3 (8.8%) were underweight, 20 (58.8%) were normal weight, 9 (26.5%) were overweight, and 2 (5.9%) were obese. Based on the BMI there was no significant difference between the two groups for results of the Tegner Activity Scale, Modified Lysholm Knee Score, and Barrett criteria. BMI of the patients was not a risk factor for the post-operative score scale (P>0.05). There was no significant difference between the injury period (the time elapsed between the injury and the surgery) and activity scores (P>0.05). The injury period had no effect on the post-operative scores. Discussion: BMI of the patients and injury time of the meniscus tear had no negative effect on the functional results of the operation. Meniscal lesions with ACL tear should be repaired when diagnosed.