Is Knee Replacement Surgery Recommended for Obese Patients?

“Knee replacement surgery”, the phrase sounds pretty scary and can be a nightmare for some. But it becomes a necessity when a person suffers tremendously due to osteoarthritis.

What is osteoarthritis?

Knee arthritisis a very common medical condition in millions of people world wide mostly seen in elderly people. It happens because with age the protective cartilage and the tissues present at the edge of the bones start wearing out; the bones, too start degenerating. And in case of obese patients, the total body mass quickens this entire degenerative process. Osteoarthritis is very painful - the pain is so bad that many find it difficult to carry out their day to day activities.

To overcome difficulties in the simplest of actions like walking around, many patients opt for surgery to replace their knees.

Is knee replacement surgery recommended?

This is a very logical question that is bound to arise in the mind. And especially because, surgery, in itself, is a typically tension-inducing factor; and performing a knee replacement surgery on an obese person can be a painstaking task.

Now, while there is no evidence that shows obesity as the only cause of worsening knee arthritis, but it surely has the capability of making the situation pretty worse. This is simply because our knees carry the entire body weight, so greater the body weight, more the pressure on our knees.

So all in all, the top orthopedic doctor in Mumbai at Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital is of the opinion that a total knee replacement (TKR) surgery can certainly provide respite to an obese patient. And interestingly, people who are morbidly obese can get almost as much relief as others having normal body weight.

The Centre has a dedicated team of doctors & surgeons for the treatment of spinal ailments. You can consult with Dr. Pradeep B. Bhosle, Joint Replacement Doctor / Surgeon in Mumbai.

Recommendations for smooth and safe knee replacement surgery: 

A total knee replacement surgery can give rise to wound complications; moreover, elderly people might take time to recuperate. To experience a smooth recovery post-surgery, there are certain things to take care prior to the surgery.

• Effective management of chronic medical conditions

The best orthopedic surgeon in Mumbai at Nanavati Hospital suggests that the patient should be aware of any chronic health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes. In such cases, they must try as much to keep their BP, and blood sugar under control.

• Reduction in body weight

Many of the top orthopedic surgeons suggest heavily obese patients reduce weight before total knee replacement surgery. Excessive obesity can lead to slower recovery and wound healing. Moreover, obesity might also hamper the longevity of the implant used for knee replacement. For the knee implant to remain properly fixed, and prevent a relapse, an optimal BMI is desirable.

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• Check nutritional deficiencies

Being nutritionally deficient is one of the major causes of wound complications in most people. Therefore it is very crucial to go for screening before the surgery, to ascertain any chances of malnutrition. Due to malnutrition, patients are more likely to contract infections or they are at higher risks of developing thrombosis.

• Post-surgery safety

Apart from these factors, it is also equally important to maintain caution after the surgery. Experts at the best orthopedic hospital in Mumbai i.e. Nanavati Hospital emphasize on the point that right after the surgery,the knee joint must be kept straight as much as possible. Only after a go-ahead from the respective surgeon should any kind of knee movements be carried out. And that too under the supervision of a trained physical therapist.

And it goes without saying that maintaining hygiene and cleanliness is of utmost importance too so that the patient does not contract secondary infections.

Book an appointment at Nanavati Hospital, the best joint replacement hospital in Mumbai.