Outcome and incidence of Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Middle East affected by gender & obesity

Feb. 10, 2013 - PRLog -- Total knee replacement, also known as TKR, is a procedure performed when an individual suffers from the wearing away of their knee cartilage and the bone starts rubbing on bone. This is a very common complaint amongst both males and females of different ages, and the procedure is performed all over the Middle East. According to experts, the term Gender Specific Knee was coined due to differences in bone anatomy between the sexes as well as the number of women having knee replacement surgery being greater than men.

Dr. Howard Ware, director of the Wellington Knee Surgery Unit, London, will be speaking at the 2nd International Congress for Joint Reconstruction – Middle East (ICJR Middle East), which will take place from 7-9 March 2013 at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, UAE.

He warns that obesity and diabetes are two of the most common conditions in the Middle East and, as a result of excessive weight gain, the pressure on the joints especially the knees leads to the wearing away of the knee cartilage. Consequently the patient will need TKR surgery.

Obesity is also a risk factor for knee arthritis. Total knee arthroplasty is the definitive surgical treatment of this disease and, therefore, a high percentage of subjects treated are overweight.

According to Dr. Ware, “The demand for total knee replacement is increasing significantly in the world. The number is expected to increase by 200% in the USA in the next 10 years. This is not only because people are living longer, and are more active, but is also increasing in the so-called “middle- aged" as a result of increasing sport injuries. In all age groups, the number of women having total knee replacements is greater than men. Obesity is a significant factor and more women are obese than men. Clearly, diet and exercise play a significant factor in reducing this risk.”

It has long been recognized that there are differences in the anatomy of the shape of the bones that make up the knee joint in male and female patients. Research measuring the bones at the time of surgery, and also with multiplanar CT scans, suggested three distinct differences in the shape and anatomy of the distal femur in the two sexes. This led to the development of The Gender Specific Knee which was introduced to try to improve outcomes after total knee replacements.

Dr. Howard Ware receives several patients from the Middle East. The majority of his Middle Eastern patients who have undergone Total Knee Replacement surgery are both women and obese.

Running alongside ICJR Middle East is an exhibition with 26 companies showcasing their latest products and services from the industry including 3D Reconstruction & Ultrasound Systems, Arthroscopy Equipment & Accessories, Bandage & Dressing Instruments, Bone Cement, and Mixing & Delivery Systems. Key exhibitors include Max Medica, Boehringer Ingelheim, Zimmer, Merck Sharp& Dohme, and the American Hospital Dubai.

ICJR-ME will be held on 7-9 March 2013 with free entrance to the exhibition for all trade professionals. For more information, please call +971 4 407 2813 or visit www.icjr-me.com.

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