Should I have both knees replaced at one time?
Monday June 22, 2009
Knee replacement surgery is performed on patients with severe knee arthritis, who have failed to find improvement with nonoperative treatments for arthritis. Often knee arthritis is a problem in both of a patient's knees.
Bilateral knee replacement surgery means that both knees are replaced. Patients who have severe knee arthritis in both knees may be good candidates to undergo bilateral total knee replacement. In general, there are two types of bilateral knee replacement surgery:
- Simultaneous Bilateral Knee Replacement
A simultaneous procedure means that both knees are replaced at the same surgery, in one day. - Staged Bilateral Knee Replacement
A staged procedure means that the knees are both replaced, but not on the same day. The second surgery may be performed as early as several days after the initial surgery, or several weeks or months later.
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I had both knees replaced 11 weeks ago. I had severe arthritis in both knees and felt this was my only option as I could hardly walk by the time I had the surgery. I am very pleased with my results. I can walk normally and without pain. The therapy sessions are essential to proper recovery though. I spent a week in the intensive in-hospital rehab unit, where I had therapy twice a day. Since leaving the hospital, I have had therapy 3 times a week. I believe the therapy is at least 50% of my success, with my doctor’s expertise the other 50%. A positive attitude is also important, but at this point, I am ready to go back to work and am feeling great!
I am supposed to have both knees replaced, one on Dec. 1, and the other on Dec. 7. How far apart did you have your knees done? I am nervous about having both knees done, but my insurance runs out end of December. Thanks.