Carrying excess weight does more than strain your heart. It also places significant stress on your hips and knees. For patients considering hip or knee replacement surgery, body mass index (BMI) is more than just a number. It can influence recovery, complication risk, and long-term implant success. This blog explains how BMI impacts surgical outcomes.
How BMI Affects Hip and Knee Health
Your hips and knees are weight-bearing joints that absorb the force of every step. A higher BMI increases the load on these joints, often accelerating cartilage wear and contributing to conditions such as osteoarthritis. This extra pressure can also cause joint misalignment, making daily activities more difficult and uncomfortable over time.
BMI and Joint Replacement Surgery Risks
When undergoing hip or knee replacement, a higher BMI is associated with an increased risk of complications such as infection, wound healing delays, and implant loosening. It can also make surgery technically more challenging for the orthopedic surgeon. For this reason, many specialists recommend working toward a healthier BMI before surgery to improve safety and optimize results.
Achieving a Healthy BMI Before Surgery
Working toward a healthier weight before surgery does not require extreme measures. Even modest weight loss can reduce surgical risks and improve joint function. Partnering with a joint replacement surgeon to create a tailored plan that may include dietary adjustments, low-impact exercise, or physical therapy can make a noticeable difference in your recovery and long-term joint health.
Why Weight Management Benefits Long-Term Outcomes
Maintaining a healthy BMI after knee or hip replacement reduces stress on the joint, slows implant wear, and lowers the risk of loosening. Less weight means better alignment, smoother movement, and easier rehabilitation, helping your new joint function efficiently and last longer without premature damage. It also reduces the likelihood of needing revision surgery.
Increase Your Chances for Outpatient Joint Replacement
While advanced surgical procedures such as robotic joint replacement can help improve outcomes even for patients with a higher BMI, reducing BMI can make you more likely to qualify for an outpatient joint replacement. This option allows you to return home the same day as surgery, recover in a familiar environment, and often resume daily activities sooner.
If hip or knee pain is affecting your mobility, book a consultation with Dr. Frisch to determine whether you are a candidate for Robotic Joint Replacement or Outpatient Joint Replacement.
AUTHOR: Dr. Nicholas Frisch is a specialist orthopedic surgeon focusing on minimally invasive hip and knee joint replacement as well as complex primary and revision surgery. He believes in creating a personalized experience with the highest level of service. For all appointments & inquiries, please contact our offices located in Rochester, MI.
