ROCHESTER, Minn. — Total hip and knee replacement surgeries are among the most commonly performed operations in the U.S., with an estimated 1 million of these procedures performed each year. Demand for these surgeries also has been rising globally.
Patients can make lifestyle changes before surgery to improve their chances of successful outcomes, according to Matthew Abdel, M.D., a Mayo Clinic orthopedic surgeon who specializes in hip and knee replacement. However, patients also should be aware that other practices before surgery won't help outcomes or are still inconclusive.
Encouraging education, maintaining a healthy weight, promoting good nutrition and exercising can help mitigate obesity, Dr. Abdel says. This is important since obesity can lead to higher risks of complications after surgery.
