About Bilateral Knee Replacement

Knee Replacement Surgery (also known as knee arthroplasty) is a surgery which is performed when the knee cartilage is worn out and causes discomfort during every day activities. During knee replacement surgery, a surgeon replaces the damaged areas of the knee joint with an artificial knee called a prosthesis.   Bilateral knee replacement surgery is when both knees are replaced simultaneously. This type of surgery is recommended more for elderly patients whose knees have been exposed to more wear and tear.

Deciding about the Treatment

Arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, traumatic) is the leading degenerative knee disease leading to the need for knee replacement surgery. Knee fractures, as well as some types of knee conditions can also lead to knee joint degeneration. The doctor will consider total knee surgery when alternative methods such as changes in activities, mild painkillers, and physiotherapy have been exhausted. Depending on your age and the damage to the tissue, the doctor may suggest partial knee replacement instead of a total knee replacement.

Duration of Stay

6 days in the hospital, 15 days outside the hospital

Recovery Process

Pain management is an important part of the recovery process. Pre-operative education regarding pain, discomfort, medication and other pain management techniques is important for a smooth recovery. To keep the joint flexible, building strength and increasing the range of motion are necessary and can be accomplished by participating in physical therapy and other exercise programs. A positive attitude and a solid support network (friends, family and/or patient groups) will do wonders to help a knee replacement patient through the recovery process.

When Bilateral Knee Replacement is Needed

Arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, traumatic) is the leading cause degeneration of the knee joint. Fractures of the knee, sports injuries as well as some types of knee conditions can also lead to knee joint deterioration. The doctor will recommend total knee surgery when alternatives such as mild painkillers and physiotherapy stop being effective. Depending on your age and the damage to the tissue, the doctor may suggest partial knee replacement instead of a total knee replacement.   

Basic Requirement for Bilateral Knee Replacement

There are some criteria which have to be considered before bilateral knee replacement surgery can be attempted:

• The patient should be physically fit. Obese patients are advised to lost excess weight so that the prosthetic will not be under stress.
• The doctor will analyze the patient's entire medical history to ensure that there are not complications during the surgery.
• The patient must be motivated to take part in several months of physical therapy

Tests & Diagnosis Before Bilateral Knee Replacement

The patient for whom bilateral knee replacement has been recommended will have to undergo several preoperative tests and medical evaluations:

• Blood count test, to check for anemia
• Urine tests
• Blood coagulation test
• Metabolic analysis of patient's kidneys, liver, and electrolyte status
• X-rays and MRI scan to full comprehend the damage of knee

Bilateral Knee Replacement Procedure Details

During the procedure, the orthopedic surgeon will make an incision in the knee area. The doctor will surgically remove the damaged surfaces of the knee joint and resurface the knee joint with the prosthesis. The knee prosthesis is usually made up of metal and plastic, and sometimes ceramics. The cemented prosthesis attaches to the bone with surgical cement.

Bilateral Knee Replacement Post Treatment Precaution

Post surgery the patient will have walk with crutches or walker for 3-4 weeks. A physiotherapist will work with the patient and recommend several exercises strengthen the knee. The patient will not be able to perform much strenuous activities post surgery and is recommended to follow a systematic exercise plan after the stitches come out.

Bilateral Knee Replacement Specialists In India

Dr. Jayant Arora

Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon

Dr Ramneek Mahajan

Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon

Dr. Rajeev Verma

Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon

Dr. Subhash Jangid

Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon

Dr. Ishwar Bohra

Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon

Dr. Ashish Singhal

Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon