Weight Loss Intervention Before Total Knee Replacement: A 12-Month Randomized Controlled Trial.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Obesity Medicine
• Metabolic Health

Background:

• Obesity is a growing concern for patients undergoing total knee replacement (TKR).
• Excess weight can negatively impact surgical outcomes and patient recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a pre-operative weight loss intervention on quality of life, knee function, mobility, and body composition one year after primary TKR.
• To assess the feasibility and safety of an intensive low-energy diet prior to TKR in obese patients.

Main Methods:

• Randomized controlled trial comparing a standard care group with an 8-week low-energy diet intervention group before TKR.
• Outcomes including patient-reported quality of life, 6-Minute Walk Test, and body composition (DXA) were assessed pre-intervention and one year post-surgery.
• A reduced sample size may have limited statistical power to detect significant differences.

Main Results:

• Both groups showed significant improvements in quality of life and knee function one year after TKR.
• The intervention group achieved an average weight loss of 10.7 kg (6.7 kg fat mass) during the 8-week pre-operative diet.
• Weight loss was maintained in the diet group at one year, while the control group showed no change.

Conclusions:

• An intensive pre-operative weight loss program is feasible and safe for obese patients scheduled for TKR.
• The intervention led to substantial weight loss, improved body composition, and reduced cardiovascular risk factors.
• Sustained weight reduction and improved metabolic markers suggest potential long-term benefits.