Is joint replacement possible if I am overweight?

Yes, joint replacement can be performed in overweight patients, but excess body weight can increase the risk of certain complications and may affect recovery.

Higher body weight places additional stress on the knee or hip and can also increase the technical demands of surgery.

Possible concerns include

• Higher risk of wound problems
• Increased risk of infection
• Greater stress on the new joint
• Higher risk of blood clots
• Slower rehabilitation
• Difficulty regaining mobility
• Greater anaesthesia-related risk in some patients

This does not mean every overweight patient must lose a specific amount of weight before surgery. The decision depends on overall health, body mass index, diabetes control, heart and lung function, mobility, and the urgency of the joint problem.

Weight reduction may still help

Even modest weight loss before surgery may reduce stress on the joint and improve general fitness for rehabilitation.

Dr. Atul Mishra assesses each patient individually rather than using body weight alone to decide whether surgery is possible. In some patients, weight management may be recommended before surgery to reduce risk and improve recovery.