Abstract
Introduction
Maximizing efficiency in total knee replacement surgery is desirable and one of the key aspects is optimum utilization of available theatre time allocation. The level of complexity of the pathology is often one of the determinants of the length of operative time. Body mass index (BMI) has also been positively correlated with operative time. However, two patients with the same BMI but different body habitus (central obesity vs generalized obesity) may present different challenges during surgery. An index focusing on the anthropometry of the lower limb (supra-patella index SPI) has been proposed and we hypothesize that it correlates more closely with operative time than BMI.
Method
BMI and SPI were determined in all patients recruited into a prospective trial of a specific knee implant. All patients were operated on by one of two surgeons in a standardized manner. Data including operative time and tourniquet time were determined.
Results
Data for BMI was available on 50 patients and 46 patients had SPI values. The mean BMI was 34, 3 (sd 7.6) and 74% of patients were obese. The mean SPI was 2, 3 (sd 3.2). Both the BMI and SPI correlated with operative time and tourniquet time using the Spearman rank-order correlation coefficient. The BMI correlated marginally better with the operative time and the SPI correlated marginally better with the tourniquet time.
Conclusion
Both BMI and SPI correlated with operative time. Both indices can be used as predictors of operative time.
ONE DISCLOSURE
