Obesity is a growing concern around the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), worldwide obesity has nearly tripled since 1975. In 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults were overweight, with over 650 million of those being classified as obese. This increase in obesity has led to a rise in the number of knee replacement surgeries performed annually. Some of the knee replacement surgeon in Surat concur that obesity can have a significant impact on knee replacement surgery and recovery.
Knee replacement surgery is a common procedure used to relieve pain and improve mobility in individuals with damaged or worn knee joints. During the procedure, the damaged joint is replaced with an artificial joint made of metal, plastic, or a combination of the two. Recovery from knee replacement surgery typically involves physical therapy and rehabilitation to help regain strength and mobility in the knee.
What are the effects of obesity on knee replacement surgery?
Knee replacement surgery might be significantly impacted by obesity. The following are some possible issues and adverse effects as explained by our knee specialist in Surat at Dr. Kaushik Patel’s Robotic Joint Replacement Centre, that could result from obesity:
Surgery-related complications: Patients who are obese and having knee replacement surgery may be more susceptible to complications such deep vein thrombosis (DVT), wound infections, and delayed wound healing. The extra weight may make it more difficult to get access during surgery and raise the level of difficulty.
Increased joint stress: Being overweight puts more strain on the knee joint, which can speed up the development of osteoarthritis, the main condition that leads to knee replacement surgery. Obesity can continue to put stress on the new joint even after surgery, which could result in implant loosening, wear, or failure.
Limited functionality and mobility: Obesity can reduce knee joint range of motion and impede mobility. The outcome of the procedure and the recovery period could be impacted by this restriction. It may also make it harder to attain the best results and regain full functionality.
Increased anaesthesia risks: Obese people are more likely to experience anaesthesia issues because of things like weakened breathing capacity, sleep apnea, and decreased drug tolerance. To ensure the safety of obese patients under anaesthesia during the treatment, rigorous monitoring and specialised procedures are needed.
Slower rehabilitation and recovery: Obesity can make it more difficult to recover from knee replacement surgery. Excess weight can hinder the effectiveness of physical treatment, put additional strain on the recovering joint, and make it more challenging to restore strength and mobility.
Obese people are more likely to experience complications following surgery, including infections, blood clots, pulmonary emboli, cardiovascular issues, and slow wound healing. These issues may have a substantial impact on the healing process and final results of knee replacement surgery.
Can you fully recover from knee surgery?
Yes, it is possible to fully recover from knee replacement surgery with proper care and rehabilitation and by choosing the best knee joint surgeon in Surat. Physical therapy is an important part of the recovery process, and it can help improve strength, flexibility, and mobility in the knee joint. It is important to follow the rehabilitation program prescribed by your surgeon or physical therapist and to avoid activities that may put excessive stress on the knee joint.
However, recovery time can vary depending on a range of factors, including the extent of the surgery, the patient’s overall health, and the presence of any complications. In general, most people are able to resume normal activities within six weeks to three months after knee replacement surgery.
Can knee surgery fail?
Yes, knee replacement surgery can fail for a range of reasons, including infection, implant loosening, and wear and tear of the implant. In some cases, revision surgery may be necessary to replace the failed implant. People who are obese or have other health problems may be at a higher risk of implant failure. To minimize the risk of implant failure, it is important to follow the post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon.
What are the side effects of knee surgery?
Like any surgical procedure, knee replacement surgery carries some risks and side effects. So according to our experts at Dr. Kaushik Patel’s Robotic Joint Replacement Centre, it is very important to choose your orthopaedic surgeon in Surat.
These can include:
- Pain and swelling: It is normal to experience some pain and swelling after knee surgery, and pain medication may be prescribed to manage these symptoms.
- Infection: Infection is a potential complication of knee surgery, and it can have serious long-term consequences. Signs of infection include fever, redness, and swelling around the incision site.
- Blood clots: Blood clots are another potential complication of knee surgery, and they can lead to serious health problems, such as a pulmonary embolism or stroke. Signs of a blood clot include swelling, redness, and warmth in the leg.
- Nerve damage: Nerve damage is a potential complication of knee surgery, and it can cause numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg.
- Implant failure: In rare cases, knee replacement surgery can result in implant failure, which may require revision surgery to replace the implant.
Conclusion
It’s important to note that while obesity can increase the risks and complications associated with knee replacement surgery, it does not necessarily exclude an individual from undergoing the procedure. Each case should be evaluated individually, and the risks and benefits should be carefully assessed by the patient and their healthcare team. Additionally, weight management and adopting a healthier lifestyle before and after surgery can help mitigate some of these risks and improve the long-term success of the procedure.
Individuals who are obese are at a higher risk of complications during and after surgery and may have a slower recovery time compared to non-obese patients. However, taking steps to lose weight before surgery, maintaining a healthy weight after surgery, and working with a physical therapist and rehabilitation team can help reduce the impact of obesity on knee replacement surgery and recovery.
If you are considering knee replacement surgery in Surat and are concerned about your weight, speak to one of the best orthopaedic surgeon in Surat at Dr. Kaushik Patel’s Robotic Joint Replacement Centre, Surat for advice on how to best prepare for surgery and optimize your recovery outcomes.