GLP-1s appear to be more than weight loss drugs, potentially offering direct joint protection and dramatically reducing surgical risk. By the numbers  Recent research demonstrates significant clinical benefits across multiple measures: 40% of obese patients with known hip arthritis prescribed a GLP-1 showed a reduced risk of hip replacement within one year, based on data from 239,000+ patients. 25% of obese patients with known knee arthritis on a GLP-1 demonstrated a reduce

by Vince Vacketta, DPM A patient asks: “Doctor, my ankle hurts too much to exercise and lose weight. Can we fix it first? Then I can lose weight.” The study Researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study examining TAR outcomes in obese patients with a minimum ten-year follow-up period. They compared results between obese patients and non-obese control groups, stratified by body mass index. Because surgical techniques and implant designs evolved during the study peri

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, when many of us add a little extra to our plates, a new study looked at how body mass index (BMI) influences recovery after lower-extremity fracture surgery. Using a 20-year national dataset, adults with BMI ≥30 were compared to those with BMI <30, all followed for two years. Short-term risks (first 90 days)  Obesity increased complications across the board: Pulmonary embolism: +55% Deep vein thrombosis: +30% Renal failure: +22% Wound disrup

by Vince Vacketta, DPM Beyond a surgeon’s experience and skill, patient selection is critical for the success of total ankle arthroplasty...