The influence of body mass index on outcome of open arthrolysis for post-traumatic elbow stiffness

Background Being overweight has become a serious public health concern in China. Higher body mass index has been proven to be associated with poor outcome after orthopedic surgery. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of being overweight on functional outcomes and complications after open arthrolysis for post-traumatic elbow stiffness. Methods We performed a retrospective study including 122 patients with post-traumatic elbow stiffness undergoing arthrolysis, including 84 in the normal weight group and 38 in the overweight group. Demographic data, surgical data, and data on preoperative and postoperative functional performance and complications were obtained. Results Demographic data and disease characteristics were comparable between the 2 groups at baseline. All patients showed significant improvement after elbow arthrolysis. Postoperatively, the range of motion and Mayo Elbow Performance Score of the normal weight group were significantly better than those of the overweight group. Sixteen patients developed postoperative complications. No significant differences in complication rates between the 2 groups were found. Conclusions Most patients showed satisfactory functional outcomes after arthrolysis. The postoperative functional outcomes of the overweight group were inferior to those of the normal weight group to a certain extent. This study underlines the importance of detailed rehabilitation instructions in patients with higher body mass index.