top of page

Topic:

​

Issue:

Foot

Category:

Infection

Title:

Obesity Increases Risk for Wound Complications After Pediatric Foot Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Review Using the NSQIP-Pediatric Database

Author:

Farahani, Farzam MD; Rodriguez, Joel A. BS; Wukich, Dane K. MD; Zide, Jacob R. MD; Riccio, Anthony I. MD

Journal:

Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics

Date:

February 2024

Reference:

44(2): p 117-123, DOI: 10.1097/BPO.0000000000002566

Level Of Evidence:

III

# of Patients:

3924

Study Type:

Retrospective cohort review

Location:

Multi-center, using national database

Summary:

The study investigates the association between obesity and postoperative complications in pediatric patients undergoing foot surgery, with a focus on wound dehiscence and surgical site infections.

Methods:

Pediatric patients who underwent foot surgery were identified using the ACS-NSQIP-Pediatric database (2012-2017). Patients were stratified by BMI into normal-weight and obese cohorts. Univariate and multivariate analyses assessed outcomes between the two groups.

Exclusions:

Not specified

Results:

Of 3924 patients, 1063 (27.1%) were obese. Obese patients had higher rates of overall postoperative complications (3.01% vs. 1.32%), wound dehiscence (1.41% vs. 0.59%), and surgical site infections. Multivariate analysis showed obesity was an independent predictor of wound dehiscence (adjusted OR = 2.16) and surgical site infection (adjusted OR = 3.03). Obesity was also an independent risk factor for wound dehiscence in clubfoot capsular release procedures (adjusted OR = 5.71). No differences were observed in complication rates for tarsal coalition or clubfoot tibialis anterior tendon transfer procedures.

Conclusions:

Obesity increases the risk of wound complications, including dehiscence and surgical site infections, in pediatric foot surgery patients. This information is crucial for preoperative counseling, as childhood obesity continues to rise.

Relevance:

Limitations:

Perspective:

bottom of page