Notre Dame's Charlie Weis not an ideal knee replacement candidate
People choose to undergo gastric bypass surgery for many reasons. But likely to be the most common reason is morbid obesity (being dangerously overweight). Notre Dame's embattled football coach Charlie Weis has had his battle with weight and gastric bypass surgery written about probably far more than he would like. Unfortunately, being 300 lbs.+ is just a gift that keeps on giving.
It has been reported that he recently underwent total knee replacement surgery and is in need of similar surgery on his other knee.
I pray for his speedy recovery.
Unfortunately, Coach Weis has a few strikes against him when it comes to the potential mileage rating of his new 'wheel'.
First, let's deal with the obvious factor of weight. Supporting 300 lbs. wears the components of the artificial joint out much faster than a more normal weight. The joint components are made of alloy metal and high-tech plastic (polyethylene). The plastic inserts wear over time and create debris. These debris particles are abrasive (grit) and are viewed as foreign matter by the immune system. Thus inciting a inflammatory response producing potential pain, swelling and component loosening.
Second, consider the activity level of a NCAA Div. 1 football coach. Yeah, he can ride all over the football complex in a golf cart barking out orders. But it's extremely difficult to teach proper technique to a struggling program with very high expectations while sitting on your butt. Jogging, squatting, back peddling, bursting forward etc.. will only lead to accelerated wearing out of his new knee. Increased demand (activity level) leads to decreased longevity (mileage) of the replaced joint.
Third, Coach Weis is a young man. He is only 52 years old. Joint replacement was developed for people in their 70's and 80's...60's is pushing it...early 50's is ridiculous. But unfortunately he had no other good choices. He is looking at several revisions (re-do surgeries) in his lifetime. An ideal candidate (person in their 70's, normal body weight and low activity demand) should easily get 15 years or more out of their knee replacement. They'll more than likely take that knee with them to heaven. But a knee replaced in a fifty year old will likely last less than 10 yrs. thus requiring 2,3 or maybe 4 revisions in their lifetime. Each revision is technically more difficult for the surgeon to perform and the more difficult for the patient to 'get over' (rehab).
Coach Charlie Weis has 3 strikes against him and he needs his other knee replaced...OUCH!
Comments