When NBC News anchorman Brian Williams had knee-replacement surgery in 2013, he blogged about the recovery, comparing it to his first knee surgery in 1977. "While the meds are better these days ... post-operative pain remains the same," he wrote.
Most of the 600,000 folks who have knee-replacement surgery each year in North American would agree that the pain is pretty excruciating. But for everyone with knee replacements on the horizon, there's great news.
A new pain-control technique offers patients relief for up to two days after surgery, speeding recovery and increasing knee function.
In fact, many people are up and walking just hours after the surgery!
What's the secret? Henry Ford Hospital study says that injecting a long-acting numbing medicine — liposomal bupivacaine — into the tissue around the knee during surgery does the trick.
Unfortunately, as North Americans become increasingly overweight, ever more people will need knee replacements. A June 2014 study found that 95 percent of current surgeries were attributable to the patient being overweight or obese.
We're glad that there's improved pain control. But, honestly, wouldn't you rather avoid the procedure altogether?
If you get to and maintain a healthy weight, you may never need a knee replacement. So start walking, say "so long" to sodas, saturated and trans fats, sugary cereals, and treats. Say "hello" to nine servings of fruits and veggies a day.
That's the bee's knees!
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