What does Bilateral Knee Replacement Surgery involve?

When both knees are replaced during a single operation, it is known as a bilateral knee replacement. You would perhaps consider knee replacement surgery if your arthritis or other knee joint problems become intolerable. The other likely reason to get the surgery, though more challenging, is the benefit of having only one round of anesthesia and a shorter rehabilitation period.

Am I a good candidate for Bilateral Knee Replacement?

The surgery is recommended when non-surgical treatments fail to ease knee pain, stiffness, and inflammation. Physically active people with strong muscles, ligaments, and tendons around their knees make the best candidates for bilateral knee replacement surgery. An individual will normally fare better throughout surgery and rehabilitation if they are healthier.

How long does a bilateral knee replacement surgery take?

Bilateral knee replacement surgery usually takes 1-3 hours

Are there any complications and risks associated with Bilateral Knee Replacement surgery?

Studies reveal a higher risk of problems with the surgery such as increased blood loss that might require a blood transfusion, blood clots, and cardiovascular complications. After the surgery, you are expected to immediately start with the physical therapy. Additionally, patients cannot rely on one strong leg for stability thus, making rehabilitation more challenging.

How much time does it take to heal after bilateral knee replacement?

Usually, double knee replacement takes roughly 14 weeks to recuperate from. The amount of time it takes you to recover will depend on how dedicated you are to your physical therapy sessions and how diligently you adhere to your doctor’s guidelines. To speed up your recovery and strengthen your knee muscles, try walking, swimming, or cycling. Even so, stay away from intense sports like basketball, aerobics, and running. You should soon pick up where you left off after three months.

What should I expect following the surgery?

Prepare to stay in the hospital for a maximum of 10 days post your surgery. Physical therapy can take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks and often begins the day after surgery. The program normally consists of a walking schedule and several exercises designed to strengthen your knees.

Bilateral Knee Replacement Surgery
Best Bilateral Knee Replacement Doctors in Dubai

Bilateral Knee Replacement Surgery

A bilateral knee replacement is a surgical procedure in which both knees are replaced with an artificial joint or prosthesis. The artificial joint is made of plastic, metal, or ceramic and it is designed to move just like a healthy normal joint.

Knee replacement surgery can be considered by people who have arthritis (inflammation of the joints) in one or both knee joints and it is limiting their day to day activities negatively affecting their quality of life due to the stiffness and pain that it is causing. This procedure can restore normal function to the knee and eliminate the pain that is caused by arthritis. It is often done when non-invasive treatments often fail to provide relief from knee pain and discomfort.

Sometimes it can be difficult to attain complete normal leg function when only one knee joint is replaced. It is because of this that doctors can recommend for bilateral knee replacement surgery. Bilateral knee replacement is often recommended to individuals who are aged 60 years and above. This is because younger people tend to wear out their artificial knee replacements more quickly. A good candidate for bilateral knee replacement is a person who is:

In overall good health
Physically fit
Committed to undergo physical therapy and rehabilitation after the surgery to regain his/her mobility

Types of Bilateral Knee Replacement Surgery

Simultaneous bilateral knee replacement: This is when both of the knees are replaced at the same time.
Staged bilateral knee replacement: This is when each of the knee is replaced but at different times at two separate surgeries.

Simultaneous Bilateral Knee Replacement

Simultaneous bilateral knee replacement is associated with increased risk of complications since it requires more time to perform and heavier doses of anesthesia. It is because of this that it is not recommended for patients with lung or heart disease. Patients with such conditions are a high-risk group and may experience excessive blood loss or heart problems during the surgery.

Since simultaneous bilateral knee replacement surgery involves replacing both of the knees at the same time, this translates to one hospital stay and one rehabilitation period for both knees. However, the rehabilitation is slower as it can be difficult to use both knees at the same time. That is why patients of bilateral knee replacement always need assistance at home while recovering.

Compared to staged bilateral knee replacement, simultaneous bilateral knee replacement takes longer to perform which is about three to four hours.

Staged Bilateral Knee Replacement

Staged bilateral knee replacement involves replacing both of the knees but at different times in two separate surgeries. The surgeries are usually spaced a few months apart and each takes about two hours to perform. This knee replacement technique allows for one knee to recover before operating on the second knee.

Staged bilateral knee replacement has fewer risk complications associated with it and a shorter hospital stay. Rehabilitation period can be longer as it requires two rehabilitation periods since two surgeries are done.

Recovery from Bilateral Knee Replacement Surgery

Immediately after surgery, the patient is taken to the recovery room for observation for a few hours before being taken to his/her hospital room. For simultaneous bilateral knee replacement, the patient will stay in hospital for up to 10 days while for staged bilateral knee replacement the hospital stay is about three to five days. Pain medication is given to help manage the discomfort.

During the hospital stay, the patient will be monitored for any signs of blood clots, infection, and any other possible complication. The patient will also be shown low intensity exercises that can promote healing in the knees and improve movement.

It is important to start physical therapy a few hours after the surgery to help with the transitioning back of normal knee movement. The physical therapy takes about 6-12 weeks. Most patients are fully recovered within 12 months, but it depends on how well the instructions from the physical therapist are followed, the patient’s age, and overall health.

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