Weight-loss surgery before joint replacement can improve outcomes in severely overweight patients

Weight-loss surgery before joint replacement can improve outcomes in severely overweight patients

Bariatric surgery prior to joint replacement is a cost-effective option to improve outcomes in severely overweight patients, research demonstrates. It is well-known that obesity takes a toll on one’s health. Bariatric surgery and subsequent weight loss reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes and even some forms of cancer. But before now, the effect of bariatric surgery on joint replacement outcomes was not known.

Obesity is not only a risk factor for developing knee and hip arthritis. It is also linked to less favorable outcomes after joint replacement surgery. Two new studies at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York City find that bariatric surgery prior to joint replacement is a cost-effective option to improve outcomes after hip or knee replacement.

Source: Science Daily

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