Musculoskeletal Complications After Bariatric Surgery

Although weight loss surgery results in a substantial improvement in pain and a reduction of disability derived from joint disease, certain musculoskeletal complications might occur. Disorders of calcium and vitamin D metabolism are common sequelae, especially after gastric bypass procedures with increased risk of bone demineralization. Therefore, lifelong, routine supplementation of calcium and vitamin D is recommended in all patients and the adequacy of supplementation should be checked with regular controls of markers of bone mineral metabolism. Secondary hyperparathyroidism, osteomalacia, and osteoporosis should be ruled out during follow-up to avoid bone fractures in the long term. Muscle mass loss is also a known feature after bariatric surgery and its preservation with physical training comprises an important component of follow-up management.