Shifting the pounds before joint replacement improves outcome for overweight people. Weight loss surgery can help, US experts claim

Overweight people who are due to have joint replacement surgery could benefit from weight loss treatment beforehand, according to research presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. And bariatric surgery may be a cost-effective option to consider.
A US team compared the costs of two treatment protocols for people who were morbidly obese and had advanced knee or hip osteoarthritis. One group had their hip or knee replacements immediately, while the other group waited until two years after weight loss surgery before receiving their joint replacement.
Surgical weight loss before joint replacement was found to be a cost-effective option for improving outcomes in obese patients who are candidates for joint replacement.
“Up to 50% of hip replacements are performed in obese patients at some institutions,” explains Dr Emily Dodwell, lead investigator. “Obesity is associated with longer hospital stays, higher overall costs and higher failure rates, necessitating costly revision surgery.”
A spokesman for Arthritis Research UK comments:
“It makes sense for people with arthritis who are about to undergo major surgery such as hip replacement to be an optimum weight prior to the operation. Post-operatively they will gain the most benefit if they do plenty of rehabilitation and exercise.”

Image credit: Fimb

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