Study: Patient Characteristics Predict Pain Outcomes After Bariatric Surgery

A new study has identified key patient characteristics that can predict which patients are most and least likely to see improvement in joint pain and walking ability following bariatric surgery. These characteristics could assist physicians in recognizing which patients will require further interventions post-surgery.

The study involved 2221 patients participating in the Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery-2, and showed that 50% to 70% of severely obese adults who underwent bariatric surgery experienced significant improvements in joint pain, physical function, and walking speed following surgery. 
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Further, nearly 75% of those who experienced severe knee and hip pain before surgery saw improvements, and nearly 50% of those with mobility deficits before surgery did not have deficits post-surgery.

Overall, older age, lower income, depressive symptoms, and preexisting medical conditions (including cardiovascular disease and diabetes) were indicative of lower likelihood of improvements post-surgery, while greater weight loss, reduction in depressive symptoms, and remission of medical conditions were indicative of a better chance of improvement. 

"Our study found that clinically meaningful improvements in bodily pain, specific joint pain and both perceived and objectively measured physical function are common following bariatric surgery. In particular, walking is easier, which impacts patients' ability to adopt a more physically active lifestyle. However, some patients continue to have significant pain and disability," they concluded.

"Our hope is that these data will help patients and clinicians develop realistic expectations regarding the impact of bariatric surgery on these aspects of their lives."

—Michael Potts

Reference:
University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences. Study identifies patients most likely to have joint pain reduction after bariatric surgery [press release]. November 4, 2015. http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-11/uops-sip102915.php.