Double Knee Replacement

During knee replacement surgery, knee joints damaged by arthritis can be replaced with an artificial knee, also known as a prosthetic knee. A prosthetic knee can help restore mobility and reduce pain in the affected knee. When the joints of both knees are damaged, double knee replacement may be recommended.

A doctor will usually recommend knee replacement surgery if the pain in your knee is interfering with your daily activities and negatively affecting your quality of life. In most cases, this type of surgery is performed in people over age 60, as younger people tend to wear out their artificial knees more quickly.

When severe arthritis affects both knees, a doctor may suggest double knee replacement surgery. However, more risk is involved with this type of surgery, so it is typically only recommended to those who are:

·       Physically fit

·       In overall good health

·       Motivated to undergo physical therapy and rehabilitation after surgery to regain their mobility

Double knee replacement surgery may be done in one surgery or two surgeries. When it’s done as one surgery, the procedure is known as simultaneous bilateral knee replacement. When it’s done over two surgeries, the procedure is called staged bilateral knee replacement. The recovery and rehabilitation for each of these surgeries is slightly different. The primary advantage of a simultaneous procedure is that there is only one hospital stay, and one rehabilitation period to heal both knees.

What is a Double Knee Replacement?

When the cartilage has worn away in both knees, an artificial knee (called a prosthesis) can take its place. The surgery to implant both of the prosthesis is termed a Bilateral Total Knee Replacement. During this surgery, only the surface of the joint is removed, and the arthritic ends of the bones are shaved off and replaced with new metal and plastic surfaces. The knee replacement recreates almost normal function of the knee, and its main goal is to relieve pain. It may also help to restore motion of both knees and straighten the limbs.

Double knee replacement surgery may be done in one surgery or two surgeries. When it’s done as one surgery, the procedure is known as simultaneous bilateral knee replacement. When it’s done over two surgeries, the procedure is called staged bilateral knee replacement. The recovery and rehabilitation for each of these surgeries is slightly different. The primary advantage of a simultaneous procedure is that there is only one hospital stay, and one rehabilitation period to heal both knees.

Rehabilitation may be slower after this procedure, as it’s more difficult to use both knees at the same time. In fact, many people who undergo simultaneous bilateral knee surgery need assistance at home as they are recovering. This type of procedure also takes longer to perform. Simultaneous bilateral knee replacement typically takes three to four hours to complete.

 

Treatment and Recovery:

Immediately after surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room for a few hours before being brought to your hospital room. You will remain in the hospital for three to five days after a staged double knee replacement, and up to 10 days after a simultaneous double knee replacement. You will also be given medications to help ease any pain and swelling. During hospitalization, your doctor will watch for any signs of infection, blood clots, and other possible complications. Your doctor will also show you low intensity exercises that can improve movement and promote healing in the knees.

Within six weeks after your surgery, you will start physical therapy so you can start transitioning back to normal knee movement. Most physical therapy programs last between six and 12 weeks. Your physical therapy program may include a walking plan and various knee-strengthening exercises to increase mobility. These exercises will gradually increase the ability to perform everyday activities, such as walking up and down stairs.

To find out if you may be a candidate for double knee replacement surgery, call the office of Dr. Bill Hefley at (800) 336-2412 to request an appointment, or use our request form online.