[Bilateral total knee replacement]

Bilateral osteoarthrosis of the knee is very frequent and disabling; the treatment in severe cases is joint replacement. Bilateral condition and severe knee pain are common and the definitive treatment can be performed on both.

We reviewed the records of the first patients undergoing bilateral total knee replacement by our surgical group, between 1993-1998.

The procedure was performed on 56 patients (112 knees) with degenerative joint disease; their age range was 60 to 82 years. The knee replacements were done either simultaneously, consecutively, or via two unique surgeries. The outcomes of each method were analyzed to assess its advantages and disadvantages.

Based upon the results of the study, we find that total knee replacements done consecutively provide the best results for patients suffering from articular degeneration.