Knee joint arthroscopy in the morbidly obese.

Abstract

Ten morbidly obese individuals were retrospectively reviewed to determine the technical problems and incidence of surgical complications associated with knee joint arthroscopy in this subpopulation of patients. In comparison to a cohort of patients of normal weight that were matched for age, sex, and surgical procedure, the morbidly obese patients had longer operative times (P < .02) and time to work resumption despite having less physically demanding jobs. Those with morbid obesity required a greater number of arthroscopy portals to effect a thorough arthroscopic examination (P < .02). Many technical problems involved the fact that these patients' size could not be accommodated by standard equipment. There were no wound or neurovascular complications and one presumed thromboembolic event.