{"id":8171,"date":"2025-10-06T12:38:54","date_gmt":"2025-10-06T12:38:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.priora.eu\/news\/every-extra-kilogram-means-four-kilograms-more-pressure-on-the-hip-and-knee\/"},"modified":"2025-10-23T11:32:35","modified_gmt":"2025-10-23T11:32:35","slug":"every-extra-kilogram-means-four-kilograms-more-pressure-on-the-hip-and-knee","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.priora.eu\/en\/news\/pressure-kip-knee\/","title":{"rendered":"The impact of excess weight on the hip and knee"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Artificial joints, especially hip endoprostheses, have become so advanced today \u2014 as have surgical techniques \u2014 that patients can lead completely everyday lives without limitations after implantation, says Dr. Ivan Karlak.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Behind orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Ivan Karlak<\/a><\/strong> stands many years of experience in endoprosthetics, traumatology, and minimally invasive procedures. He is one of the leading experts in hip, knee, and shoulder joint replacements, as well as in treating long bone fractures and complex pelvic injuries. He is the Head of the Orthopaedic Department<\/a><\/strong> at IMC Priora<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The youngest patient to receive an artificial hip was only 16 years old? Is it becoming a trend for younger people to require endoprostheses, or are these still exceptions?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 It is true that today, younger patients<\/strong> increasingly require artificial joints, but it is still most commonly linked to older age, when we often see joint wear<\/strong>, osteoarthritis<\/strong>, or injuries<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What psychological impact does it have on a young patient who learns they need an endoprosthesis?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Artificial joints, especially hip replacements, have become so advanced \u2014 as have surgical techniques \u2014 that patients can live completely everyday lives without restrictions<\/strong> after surgery. They can even participate in sports<\/strong>; there are no forbidden movements<\/strong>, and the prosthesis typically lasts around 20 to 25 years, sometimes longer. Patients who understand why they need an endoprosthesis and what life will look like after surgery are usually happy because, before the procedure, they lived with constant pain, limited mobility, and were unable to engage in desired activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Mu\u0161karac<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

When are hip, knee, or shoulder endoprostheses recommended? How do you know when it\u2019s time?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 The long-term prognosis is excellent because artificial joints last around 25 years<\/strong>, as mentioned. If the patient\u2019s life expectancy exceeds that, another replacement may be needed later on. But I often tell my patients: do we ever ask the dentist how long a filling will last? Usually not \u2014 we get one, and when the tooth hurts again, it\u2019s replaced. There\u2019s always a solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When are hip, knee, or shoulder endoprostheses recommended? How do you know when it\u2019s time? <\/strong>How demanding is the recovery?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 When all conservative treatments<\/strong> stop working, and the damaged joint significantly reduces the patient\u2019s quality of life, it\u2019s time for an endoprosthesis<\/strong>. This means the patient can no longer perform routine daily activitie<\/strong>s, experiences constant pain requiring regular painkillers, and physical therapy or injections no longer help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Thanks to new surgical techniques \u2014 minimally invasive operations<\/strong> \u2014 recovery is speedy<\/strong>. Patients usually return to everyday life after about a month<\/strong>, and to sports within two to three months. Recovery requires some effort, but it is much shorter than before, and today it is complete. There are no significant restrictions after joint replacement. A patient with an artificial hip or knee may not become a professional athlete, but they can certainly participate in recreational sports and live their life as they did before the illness.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What would you recommend to patients who fear surgery or have misconceptions about artificial joints?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 I would definitely recommend they come in for a consultation<\/strong> to talk to a doctor<\/a><\/strong> who can explain the procedure, rehabilitation, and what to expect after hip replacement. Once they have this information, their fear significantly decreases, and it becomes much easier for them to decide on the procedure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Lije\u010dnik<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How available are modern technologies and materials for endoprostheses in Croatia today?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Croatia follows global trends<\/strong> in prosthesis materials, types, and surgical techniques, including minimally invasive approaches and robotics<\/strong>. Our country is not lagging behind the rest of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What contributes to conditions that require artificial joint implantation? Genetics, injuries…?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Whoever finds the definitive answer to that could win a Nobel Prize. Genetics plays a significant role, as does lifestyle. Many people mistakenly believe they protect their joints by avoiding physical activity \u2014 it\u2019s actually the opposite. Moderate recreational exercise helps preserve joints. It\u2019s essential to exercise regularl<\/strong>y and properly, as this is how our joints can last the longest<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hormonal changes also affect our joints<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Absolutely. Hormones play a crucial role<\/strong> in our bodies, and any change in hormonal balance<\/strong> can accelerate joint wear or lead to other conditions that affect bones or cartilage, resulting in osteoarthritis or joint pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How can we personally contribute to joint health and prevent severe damage?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Prevention is key: maintain regular physical activity<\/strong>, healthy body weight<\/strong><\/a>, and proper nutrition<\/strong>. One extra kilogram of body weight equals four kilograms more pressure on the knees or hips. Every kilogram counts. Mathematically speaking, reducing body weight<\/a><\/strong> by five kilograms lowers pressure on the hip and knee joints by as much as 20 kilograms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Has any patient in particular stayed in your memory?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 I especially remember young people who were almost immobile, living in daily pain, and then return for a follow-up, saying they are active<\/strong> again and living everyday lives \u2014 that brings absolute satisfactio<\/strong>n. But I also recall elderly patients, like one who was 87 and hesitant about surgery due to age, but suffered constant pain<\/strong>. After surgery, she was able to walk to the market again without difficulty<\/strong>. Relieving pain<\/strong> and restoring mobility<\/strong> always leaves a deep impression. The oldest patient I operated on was 102 years old. I tell elderly patients: we don\u2019t know how long you\u2019ll live, but we want the rest of your life to be pain-free and independent. It\u2019s also important to note that people with damaged joints are at high risk of falling, which can cause fractures that are sometimes fatal in old age.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Artificial joints, especially hip endoprostheses, have become so advanced today \u2014 as have surgical techniques \u2014 that patients can lead completely everyday lives without limitations after implantation, says Dr. Ivan Karlak. Behind orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Ivan Karlak stands many years of experience in endoprosthetics, traumatology, and minimally invasive procedures. He is one of the leading […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":8100,"template":"","news-category":[20],"class_list":["post-8171","news","type-news","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","news-category-for-patients"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.priora.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news\/8171","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.priora.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.priora.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/news"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.priora.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8100"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.priora.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8171"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"news-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.priora.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news-category?post=8171"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}