|
|
|
« Back
Obesity, Arthritis, and Sleep Apnea: Dangerous Combination for Total Joint Surgery
|
Posted on: 11/30/1999
|
Researchers at the Human Mobility Research Center in Canada report that sleep apnea is common in people having a hip or knee replacement. They say this isn't too surprising, since obesity is a risk factor for both sleep apnea and arthritis. Sleep apnea occurs when a person stops breathing during sleep.
Most patients don't know they have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In this study, 254 patients planning to have a joint replacement were asked questions about sleep patterns. The authors found about seven percent of the patients had unknown OSA.
Knowing this is important for the patient's safety. Serious problems can occur during and after the operation for anyone with OSA. The airway can get blocked, cutting off oxygen. The lungs can fill with fluid, a condition called pulmonary edema.
Doctors at this research center suggest a few screening questions to help identify patients with OSA. Anyone planning to have a joint replacement should be asked:
Do you snore too much?
Is your sleep refreshing?
Do you ever stop breathing while sleeping?
Do you nap or fall asleep often during the day?
Have you ever been told you have sleep apnea?
Once a patient has been identified as possibly having OSA, a trip to the sleep laboratory makes the final diagnosis. OSA doesn't keep a patient from having a joint replacement. It just means the patient needs to be watched more closely during and after the operation.
The authors say with the aging of North America and increasing obesity, joint replacements in patients with arthritis and OSA will be seen more often. Doctors should now screen for OSA in all surgical patients.
|
References:
Mark M. Harrison, MD, et al. Incidence of Undiagnosed Sleep Apnea in Patients Scheduled for Elective Total Joint Arthroplasty. In The Journal of Arthroplasty. December 2003. Vol. 18. No. 8. Pp. 1044-1047.
|
|
|
« Back
|
|
|
|
*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic. |
 | All content provided by eORTHOPOD® is a registered trademark of Mosaic Medical Group, L.L.C.. Content is the sole property of Mosaic Medical Group, LLC and used herein by permission. |
|
