Even if knee replacement surgery is usually performed on overweight people due to their higher chances of having knee issues, this kind of operation is not recommended to people who are considerably obese for the reason that joint replacements may be unable to handle their weight.

The short term impact of performing a total knee replacement in an obese patient have shown that obesity was associated with an increased length of hospital stay, discharge to a rehabilitation facility as opposed to home and a higher complication rate. The changes become more significant as the body mass index (BMI) increases, in particular the morbidly obese can suffer from increased wound problems, infections and medial collateral ligament avulsion.

Both men and women who are too fat are more inclined to undergo knee replacement surgery, and the fatter they are, the more they are at risk. Males who are overweight are five times more disposed to a knee replacement and females are four times more prone to having it.

Overweight and obese patients in all age groups represent the highest proportion of recipients for knee replacement surgeries. However, although overweight people are credited for most knee replacements, the more overweight they are, the more prolonged the process is before they can have the surgery. The difference in waiting period is not an issue of discrimination against those who are overweight or obese. According to the specialists, the fast track for knee replacement surgeries tends to cater to patients who pose less chance of complications.

Knee replacement involves surgery to replace the ends of bones in a damaged joint. This surgery creates new joint surfaces. The edges of the injured bones of the thigh and lower leg and commonly the knee cap are covered with synthetic planes coated with metal and plastic. Usually, doctors replace the entire surface at the ends of the thigh and lower leg bones. But, it is gradually more common to change the inner knee planes or the outer knee planes, according to the site of the injury. This is called unicompartmental replacement. Those who are first-rate applicants in getting a unicompartmental replacement have greater end results compared to having total joint replacement. Doctors usually secure knee joint components to the bones with cement.

Joint changes caused by osteoarthritis may also stretch and damage the ligaments that connect the thigh bone to the lower leg bone. After surgery, the artificial joint itself and the remaining ligaments around the joint usually provide enough stability so that the damaged ligaments are not a problem.

Surgeons most often use regional anaesthesia for knee replacement surgery. The preferences for anaesthesia are generally decided by your surgeon, your health in general, and occasionally on what you choose.