Obesity a Prime Factor Leading to Joint Problems

Obese men and women are prone to develop many health problems, health care providers say, and it remains to be one of the pressing health concerns around the world. An estimation of about one in every three obese individuals is suffering from arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The link between obesity and arthritis makes both diseases a pressing health problem in the United States as they limit the mobility and functionality of the person affected which may further affect both problems. Losing weight, no matter how small, is being encouraged by the CDC to decrease the risk of complications. Although hip replacement implants may help increase the mobility of patients, some patients are asking for a Biomet hip recall because of the negative experiences that they had.

Obesity is a health problem that has many health consequences and that includes hip and knee problems. The knees and hips support the weight of the entire body and being obese does not make it any easier for the hips and knees. The chances of developing hip and knee osteoarthritis increases among obese men and women, health care providers believe. A person suffering from hip pain may be able to reduce the pain by losing weight, however it is often easier said than done as most people eventually gain more weight than lose it, health statistics say. The rapid loss of cartilage in the joints

The equivalent of every pound of weight is four times the pressure on the knees while six times the pressure on the hips, according to the Arthritis Foundation, pointing also to a study showing how chemicals from body fats may help damage the joints. Younger men and women who are obese develop osteoarthritis earlier compared to those who are not obese. Apart from medications and physical therapy, health care providers and orthopedic specialists strongly suggest a good weight control program for their morbidly obese patients who have hip and knee joint problems. However weight is not the only factor that might put a person at risk of developing osteoarthritis. Hip trauma or any injury that might have affected the hip is also a strong factor for hip arthritis.

A hip replacement surgery among obese patients may not last long, according to studies, and they might undergo several revision surgeries in their lifetime. However, some patients have contacted a Biomet hip replacement lawyer after experiencing hip implant failure.

URL References:

arthritis.org/conditions-treatments/disease-center/osteoarthritis/

cdc.gov/arthritis/data_statistics/arthritis_related_stats.htm

hopkinsarthritis.org/patient-corner/disease-management/role-of-body-weight-in-osteoarthritis/

Hip Implants Under Closed Monitoring

The use of all-metal hip prostheses have been questioned by several health experts as the number of complications rise, news reports say. The benefits of undergoing a hip replacement operation are extensive and lifelong, according to an article in the Medical News Today, which may also include mental health benefits. However, with every light there is also a shadow, as negative effects from these metal hip implants started to become more visible. Understanding and avoiding the problems are common topics among several health studies related to metal hip implants.

The risks faced by patients who have metal hip implants are far greater compared to those who do not have the all metal hip implants, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Each patient also face different risks. The safety information gathered by the FDA helps surgeons, health care providers and patients make informed health decisions that may improve the health of the patient. The hip implant composed of a ball, stem and shell made up entirely of metal. The metals used for these hip implants are usually cobalt and chromium. Health care providers are advised by the FDA to weigh the risks and benefits of using an all-metal hip implant.

Metal-on-polyethylene, ceramic-on-metal, ceramic-on-polyethylene and ceramic-on-ceramic may be used as an alternative if the risks of using an all-metal hip prosthesis is high. Setting proper expectations after the surgery is recommended for surgeons and they are to brief patients fo the possible risks. Weight, gender, age, diagnosis and lifestyle are several factors that might influence the success of the prosthesis. Women were linked to higher failure rates while younger men with large femoral heads are likely to be more successful.

The deposits of wear particles in surrounding tissues have become one of the main concerns of patients with an all-metal hip implant because it causes infection and pain. The cobalt and chromium ions may also enter the bloodstream, although health care providers are not yet sure on the long-term effects of these metal ions. Some of the prostheses were already recalled by the manufacturing company while others are still being used but are under strict observation because of these problems. Routine check-up is needed by men and women who have metal-on-metal hip implants whether or not they are experiencing any problems.

URL References:

fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/ImplantsandProsthetics/MetalonMetalHipImplants/ucm241604.htm

fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/AlertsandNotices/ucm335775.htm

medicalnewstoday.com/releases/90293.php