Clinical efficacy on pain reduction was present , although not predictable after weight loss .
Meta-regression analysis indicated that physical disability of patients with knee OA and overweight diminished after a moderate weight reduction regime .
This review aims to assess by meta- analysis of r and omised controlled trials ( RCTs ) changes in pain and function when overweight patients with knee osteoarthritis ( OA ) achieve a weight loss .
The Influence of Surgically-Induced Weight Loss on the Knee Joint
Background : The causal relationship between obesity and osteoarthritis ( OA ) of the knee is generally accepted . Weight loss has been shown to reduce the development of OA and improve the radiological parameters of existing disease . However , inducing weight reduction is difficult , and thus the number of patients studied has been small . We wished to determine the effects of surgically-induced weight loss on objective , radiological evidence of OA in the knee joint . Methods : 64 consecutive patients that were referred to the Bariatric Surgical Unit were enrolled in the study . The only exclusion criterion was the prior diagnosis of OA . Knee pain alone did not exclude patients from the study . The study was performed in a prospect i ve manner as a before-after trial . Radiographic data was evaluated by an independent radiologist not involved in the patient care or follow-up . Upright film of the knee was taken prior to surgery and 3 months following surgery .  Minimal medial joint space width ( JSW ) was measured by a digital image computer . In addition , patients were clinical ly assessed using the American Knee Society Score ( AKSS ) at these times . Results : 59 of 64 patients were available for followup . BMI decreased from 43.4 to 36.9 ( P<0.01 ) . The medial joint space increased from 4.6 mm to 5.25 mm ( P<0.001 ) . The AKSS improved from 78.5 points ( perfect function = 100 points ) to 90.69 points ( P<0.01 ) . Conclusion : Surgically-induced weight loss  is an effective , rapid and dependable means of reversing the radiological signs of early changes associated with OA
Clinical efficacy on pain reduction was present , although not predictable after weight loss .
Meta-regression analysis indicated that physical disability of patients with knee OA and overweight diminished after a moderate weight reduction regime .
This review aims to assess by meta- analysis of r and omised controlled trials ( RCTs ) changes in pain and function when overweight patients with knee osteoarthritis ( OA ) achieve a weight loss .