Bengaluru: A 42-year-old Nigerian woman got a new lease of life after undergoing a successful hip-replacement surgery at a city hospital. The procedure was challenging as the patient weighed over 130 kg and was suffering from excruciating right hip pain.
During the surgery, parts of the hip are removed and fixed with artificial devices to improve hip functioning, increase mobility and to relieve pain. The patient, Blessing, was suffering for almost five years and was constantly taking leave at her office. Things became worse over the last one-and-a-half years when she had to quit her job and was confined to bed. “I could not perform any of my regular tasks. I am grateful that I had a supportive husband, but the survival was extremely difficult,” she said.
Doctors back home advised her to opt for surgery only after losing significant weight, as a joint replacement in obese patients has a high risk of failure. After a referral from her friend, Blessing decided to come down to Bengaluru and consult at Manipal Hospitals.
"She had a gross restriction in her hip movements and X-rays showed her right hip was damaged beyond repair that necessitated a joint replacement. The problem of excessive weight is a vicious cycle. While excessive weight damages joints and makes walking difficult, lack of physical movement in turn further causes an increase in weight and augments arthritic conditions. Overweight patients have a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease, Type-2 diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea," said Dr Sunil G. Kini, Senior Consultant Joint Replacement and Arthroscopy Surgeon, Manipal Hospitals.
He said the successful outcome of this complex procedure also dispels the myth that joint replacements do not prove successful in overweight patients. "Though it was traditional teaching that outcomes of joint replacement in obese patients are inferior to those in normal population, newer studies show virtually the similar pain relief and outcomes in both classes of patients. Most of them end up losing significant weight as they adopt an active lifestyle after surgery. The patient was discharged within five days of the surgery and is doing well," Dr Kini said.
