[Obesity--a challenge for modern ortopedy].

In 1997 World Health Organization regarded obesity as an illness caused by modern civilization. Elevated values of BMI index over 30 kg/m2 increase the risk of movement organ diseases. Growing ailment pains in lumbar part of vertebral column and disfunction of its joints leads to severe disability. Many studies revealed, that BMI > 30 kg/m2 increased the risk of joints injuries up to 4-5 times. Most common cause of back pain and knee pains, amount obese patients, seems to be a degenerative disease. Finn studies prove correlation between visceral obesity index (waist/hip ratio) and intensification of pain in lower part of vertebral column. Women were suffering more often than men, 39.5% vs 31.2%. Amount causes of individual degeneration changes the most common is "overloaded mechanism". Nowadays, scientists claim, that subclinical inflammatory process might be connected with obesity. Fat tissue is a source of many adipocytokines. Such adipocytokines as leptin, resistin, adiponectin and proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-1, IL-8, TNF-alpha, IL-18 and hsCRP modulate inflammatory process and lead to damage of joint cartilage. Other cytokine, like osteoprotegrin, exerts osteo-protection impact. The reduction of body mass index seems to be necessary as far as patients with joints and vertebrae bone illnesses are concerned. That aim might be achieved by excessive physical activity and proper diet. Physical training should be fitted individually to every patient. Static and endurance training are not recommended. Proper weight loss should be more less 1 kg per week, and general physical ability improves. Cooperation between obesitologists and orthopedists seems to be necessary.