Can I have a knee replacement if I have diabetes, heart disease or I'm overweight?

Diabetes

Diabetes is very common in Qatar and affects healing. High blood sugar around the time of surgery increases the risk of wound problems and infection. Before surgery, your HbA1c is usually checked, and if control is poor, surgery is often postponed while your doctor adjusts treatment. Around the operation, sugar is monitored closely and medicines such as insulin or newer diabetes tablets may be paused or adjusted under medical guidance.

Heart conditions and blood thinners

People with heart disease, previous stents or irregular heart rhythm are assessed by a physician or cardiologist before surgery. Blood thinners need a careful plan: some are stopped for a few days and replaced or restarted on a schedule, and some are continued. Never stop a blood thinner on your own; the plan is agreed between your surgeon and the doctor who prescribes it.

Body weight

Higher body weight increases the risks of wound healing problems, infection, clots and anaesthetic difficulty, and may shorten implant life. Many surgeons encourage weight loss before surgery when the body mass index is very high. This is a conversation, not a rejection. Even moderate weight loss improves safety, and painful knees make exercise hard, so dietitian support and, for some patients, medical weight-loss treatment can help.

Other conditions that need attention

• Kidney disease, which affects medication choices
• Sleep apnoea, which matters for anaesthesia
• Smoking, which delays wound healing and should ideally stop weeks before surgery
• Dental infections, which should be treated before a joint replacement
• Anaemia, which can be corrected to reduce the need for transfusion

How preparation works in Doha

At Aman Hospital, Dr. Gelber works with physicians and the anaesthetic team to review your conditions, request the right tests and set clear targets before a surgery date is fixed. The goal is to operate when it is safest for you.