Bilateral Knee Replacement Surgery
When knee conditions cause severe damage to the cartilage in both of your knee joints, it can cause serious pain, weakness, instability, and limited movement. Fortunately, a procedure known as bilateral knee replacement can treat the conditions of both knees in one surgical event.
At Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, our expert, highly-trained knee specialists can perform simultaneous and staged bilateral knee replacement surgery. These procedures are designed to replace damaged knee joints with artificial components to restore function to the knees and reduce pain. Our team will work alongside you during your surgery and provide you with a personalized rehabilitation plan to ensure a quick and healthy recovery.
If you are currently struggling with knee pain in both of your joints, do not allow your condition to worsen. Schedule your first consultation with the team at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists today. If you’re in an emergency situation, visit the Immediate Care Clinic at our Schaumburg, IL location.
Bilateral Knee Replacement FAQ
What Is Bilateral Knee Replacement?
Knee conditions involve disease or injury that can disturb the normal functioning of the joint, leading to pain, weakness, instability, and limited movement. With longer life expectancy and increased activity levels, **joint replacement surgery** is being performed more frequently due to advancements in **artificial joint technology**.
The knee joint consists of bones connected by thick bands of **ligaments** and is made up of three main parts:
- The lower end of the thigh bone (femur).
- The upper end of the shin bone (tibia).
- The kneecap (patella).
When cartilage in both knees wears away, an **artificial knee (prosthesis)** can replace it.
**Bilateral Total Knee Replacement** involves replacing both knees **at the same time**. The arthritic ends of the bones are shaved off and replaced with **metal and plastic surfaces**. This **relieves pain, restores motion**, and **realigns the limbs**.
What Is a Simultaneous Bilateral Total Knee Replacement?
A **Simultaneous Bilateral Knee Replacement** means replacing **both knees on the same day**, under **one anesthesia**. This procedure occurs during **one surgical event**, within a **single hospital stay**, followed by a **single rehabilitation period**.
What Is a Staged Bilateral Total Knee Replacement?
A **Staged Bilateral Knee Replacement** means that each knee is **replaced separately**, in **two surgeries performed months apart**. This requires **two hospital stays**, **two anesthesia sessions**, and **two rehabilitation periods**.
What Are the Advantages of a Simultaneous Total Knee Replacement?
The advantages of a **Simultaneous Bilateral Knee Replacement** include:
- **One surgical event** with **single anesthesia**.
- **Shorter overall hospital stay**.
- **Rehabilitation is symmetrical**, helping patients recover evenly on both knees.
What Are the Advantages of a Staged Total Knee Replacement?
The advantages of a **Staged Bilateral Knee Replacement** include:
- Less **stress on the cardiovascular system**.
- Fewer **heart and deep vein complications**.
- Lower **infection risk**.
- Reduced need for **blood transfusion**.
This option is **recommended for patients with cardiac, vascular, or pulmonary diseases**.