Impact of Obesity, Smoking, and Age on 30-Day Postoperative Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Arthroscopic Meniscus Surgery

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact that obesity, smoking, and older age have on 30-day postoperative complications, reoperations, and readmissions of patients undergoing arthroscopic meniscectomy or meniscus repair. Materials and Methods: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was queried to identify meniscus surgeries and operative outcomes between 2008 and 2016. Controlled regression analysis was then performed to evaluate for an association between obesity, age, and smoking and these outcomes. Results: While obesity showed no influence on adverse postoperative complications or reoperations, class I obesity was associated with a lower rate of readmission. Older age, smoking, and comorbidity burden were significant predictors of postoperative complications, reoperations, and/or readmissions. Age 80 years or older was particularly predictive of 30-day complications (odds ratio, 3.5; P <.001) and readmissions (odds ratio, 2.5; P =.004). Conclusion: Obesity is not a major risk factor for complications when undergoing meniscus surgery, while age older than 70 years predicts negative short-term postoperative outcomes.