A decade ago, being obese may have meant that you were ineligible to schedule a hip or knee replacement procedure until you lost a certain amount of weight. We still want patients to work towards a healthy weight for a number of reasons, but being overweight no longer automatically disqualifies you from a joint replacement procedure. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at some new information regarding weight and joint replacement, and we explain why it’s so important to try to lose weight prior to your hip or knee replacement procedure.
Joint Replacement And Your Weight
A recent study decided to take a closer look at how obesity affects the joint replacement process. On a positive note, study authors found that obese individuals still experienced numerous benefits after a knee replacement procedure. In fact, patients in this group often reported more pain relief than non-obese individuals, and the majority felt that the cost-benefit ratio was still in their favor to undergo the procedure.
With that said, obesity carries additional risks for a patient undergoing joint replacement surgery. For starters, complications during the procedure are more common in an obese patient, especially if other factors like diabetes or high blood pressure are present. The chance of complications is still relatively low, but if you can work to lose weight, you may also be reducing your risk of a surgical complication.
There’s also the likelihood of an extended recovery. Being obese and overweight has been associated with a longer recovery period compared to a person with a healthy BMI, and part of that has to do with the amount of stress you’ll be putting on your artificial joint. If you’re heavier, that joint is going to be bearing more weight, as are the tissues that were cut or affected during the procedure. Depending on your situation, this could also lead to higher patient costs.
It’s also worth noting that while obese patients tend to experience plenty of pain relief with the procedure, they aren’t as likely to make as big of strides in functional gain compared to less heavy counterparts. The same study found that while functional gain among obese individuals was “significant,” it still lagged behind healthy-weighted counterparts. In other words, while joint replacement is still a smart option, you may actually notice bigger functional improvement if you strive to lose weight prior to the procedure.
Obviously trying to lose weight on an arthritic hip or knee can be difficult, because exercise can be painful. That said, it’s going to be worth it in the long run. Try to find some exercises that aren’t too uncomfortable that you can perform on a regular basis. Limited weight bearing exercises like swimming and cycling can be great, as can an elliptical machine to help take some of the shock out of each step compared to running and walking.
So if you are considering hip or joint replacement, don’t let your weight deter you from getting control of your pain and improving your physical function. Your weight and a weight loss goal may be discussed at your first appointment, but it’s highly unlikely that it will prevent you from finding relief through a surgical procedure. Fore more information, or to talk to a specialist about your knee or hip pain, reach out to Dr. Botero’s office today.
