"Obese patients have the same mobility, pain and quality of life issues that nonobese patients have" when they seek joint replacements, says Parks, whose preliminary research has found that super obese patients – those with BMIs over 50 – report greater improvements in pain, stiffness and activities of daily living, and are more satisfied two years after knee replacement surgery than normal-weight patients. read more
However, if you’re obese with other risk-factors or comorbidities (for example, having diabetes or depression) your care team may determine that a replacement is too risky. Ultimately, since a knee or hip replacement is an elective surgery, your surgeon can afford to hold-off and perform the procedure when your risk of complication is lower. read more
Now, patients who are overweight or obese can expect clearance for surgery. With the advent of non-cemented load bearing hip implants and improved joint bearing hip and knee surfaces and designs, heavier patients may now enjoy the pain relief and increased activity levels of joint replacement. read more