Study Finds Isolated Weight Loss Following Bariatric Surgery Results in Significant Improvements in Knee Pain, Stiffness and Function

Another new study released in February, 2011 analyzed the effects of isolated weight loss via bariatric surgery on knee osteoarthritis. The study involved 24 obese patients with knee osteoarthritis who were scheduled to undergo bariatric surgery. Patient weights and knee symptoms were recorded before the surgery and 6 and 12 months after surgery. Patients were not prescribed exercise or physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications or knee injections post-operatively.

The study found that isolated weight loss following bariatric surgery resulted in significant improvements in knee pain, stiffness and function.

“Other studies have looked at the effect that a combination of weight loss, diet and exercise had on knee arthritis, but it was difficult to say which of these factors contributed the most to reducing knee pain,” says Christopher Edwards, co-investigator and a fourth year medical student at the Penn State College of Medicine. “Our study should send a message to patients, health care providers, and payers that weight loss is an important consideration in the treatment of knee arthritis.”

Source: Reprinted with editorial adaptations from materials provided by American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://www6.aaos.org/news/Pemr/releases/release.cfm?releasenum=966

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