Knee replacements stall in regions of England with weight rules for patients

Stricter CCGs told patients that they have to attain a certain body mass index before surgery

The number of knee replacement operations carried out has dropped in regions of England with restrictions on surgery for overweight patients, with people in more deprived areas worst affected, researchers have found.

Patients needing surgery but unable to lose weight are being denied surgery that could ease pain and increase mobility, the team from the University of Bristol said.