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Weight Loss Before Knee or Hip Replacement Surgery

Knee Replacement Surgeon in Arkansas

Weight Loss Before Knee or Hip Replacement Surgery

Weight Loss Before Knee or Hip Replacement Surgery

In the past, doctors advised obese patients seeking evaluation for knee or hip replacement surgery to lose weight before the procedure, sending them home disheartened.

But for a lot of these patients, losing that much weight isn’t always that easy, especially with the debilitating pain from arthritis.

Why doctors recommend losing weight

Doctors often recommend patients lose weight before considering knee or hip replacement surgery to reduce the risk of complications.

Those who are overweight are at higher risk of complications and are less likely to experience pain relief from the surgery.

There are also studies showing that obese patients are more likely to suffer from infections and dislocations. The group is also less likely to experience good results from the surgery.

What new studies are suggesting

There’s hope for obese people suffering from arthritic hips and knees. Researchers from UMass Medical School found out that obese patients who underwent joint replacement surgery experience almost the same pain relief and improvement in function as patients with normal weight.

The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery published a study that revealed that although obesity increases the risk of complications, it should not deter joint replacement surgery.

The researchers recognize that there are patients who can’t lose that weight easily or if they can, their joint condition may get worse by that point.

Having excess weight still involves surgical risks. This is why it’s important to talk with your provider and discuss the pros and cons of doing it and whether the benefits outweigh the risks.

Get expert advice at Ozark Ortho

If you are considering joint replacement surgery, reach out to the joint specialists at Ozark Orthopaedics. Our team can provide expert advice to help you make the best and safest choice.

Give us a call at (479) 521-2752 for more information.