Is there a relationship between recurrence and obesity in the three-year mid-term follow-up of patients who underwent high tibial osteotomy due to medial gonarthrosis?

Objectives: This study aimed to radiologically evaluate the possible relationship between the body mass index (BMI) and recurrence of varus deformity during the mid-term follow-up of patients treated for medial gonarthrosis.

Patients and methods: Fifty-six patients (11 males, 45 females; mean age: 53.8±7.2 years; range, 29 to 64 years) who underwent medial opening wedge osteotomy for the treatment of isolated medial varus gonarthrosis between January 1, 2020, and June 1, 2021, were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were categorized according to BMI values as having a healthy weight (18.5-24.9 kg/m²), being overweight (25.0-29.9 kg/m²), or being obese (≥30 kg/m²). Mechanical medial proximal tibial angle, hip-knee-ankle angle, joint line convergence angle, and knee adduction moment calculations were performed based on radiographs.

Results: Among the 56 patients, the mean age of those with healthy weight was 42.5±13.2 years, that of the overweight group was 53.3±6.4 years, and that of the obese group was 54.0±5.8 years. Radiological evaluations were statistically improved postoperatively compared to preoperative scores across BMI groups (p<0.05). There were no correlations between age and radiological scores or BMI (p>0.05). Similarly, no correlation was found between BMI and radiological scores (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Body mass index is not of significance in medial opening wedge osteotomy radiological scores in short- and mid-term follow-up.