X-ray measurement of periarticular soft tissue predict readmission complications after Total Knee Arthroplasty

Purpose Obesity is widely recognized as one of the risk factors for osteoarthritis. This study aims to explore the association between BMI and periarticular soft tissue on readmission complications in patients with previous joint replacement through the study of clinical and imaging data. Methods This retrospective study summarized 625 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty. Imaging measurement data included several measurable soft tissue values and ratios on the anteroposterior. The association between BMI and imaging soft tissue measurement data with complications leading to readmission during follow-up was explored. Results Analyzing 761 preoperative imaging measurements and postoperative follow-up data, a significant correlation (P<0.05) emerged between postoperative readmission complications and measured soft tissue thickness around the joint. A 1:4 paired test affirmed the independent predictive power (P<0.1) of select soft tissue data for readmission complications. Conclusion BMI proved insufficient in evaluating obesity-related complications post total knee arthroplasty. Preoperative imaging soft tissue data exhibited superior predictive capability for anticipating readmission complications after arthroplasty. Trial registration number: S2021-094-01 Trial registration dates: 25/03/2021 Retrospectively registered ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. ### Funding Statement This study did not receive any funding ### Author Declarations I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained. Yes The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below: Ethics committee of CHinese PLA General Hospital gave ethical approval for this work I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals. Yes I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance). Yes I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable. Yes All data produced in the present study are available upon reasonable request to the authors