Body Mass Index as an Indicator of Associated Intra-articular Injuries in Patients With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears.

This study assessed the relationship between body mass index (BMI), anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, and associated meniscal and cartilage injury. Age, ACL classification, and Tegner activity score were considered. A total of 1968 ACL reconstruction patients (2/1/1996 to 5/1/2012) were analyzed. All graft types, age groups, and activity levels were included. A BMI ≥30 correlated with a significant likelihood of medial meniscus tears (p = .022). Patients with a BMI ≥30 were 21.6% more likely to have a medial meniscus tear with an ACL injury. Grade III and IV chondral lesions correlated with a BMI ≥30 (p = .029). Patient's age predicted medial meniscus outcome (p = .013). Patients whose age was >25 had a 25.7% higher risk of medial meniscus tear. Chronic ACL patients were 52.6% more likely to have a meniscus injury. BMI, age, Tegner activity score, and ACL classification are good predictors of medial meniscus injury. Patients with a BMI ≥30 exhibit a greater risk of medial meniscus tear with ACL instability; however, BMI does not significantly contribute to increased chondral damage in ACL-deficient patients.