Unilateral versus bilateral total knee arthroplasty: A registry study on survival and risk factors

Bilateral cases, representing at least 25% of total knee arthroplasties (TKA), could convey a statistical bias linked to dependency. Registries allow exploring this issue, susceptible to question surgeon validated protocols. Do bilateral total knee arthroplasties behave differently than unilateral knees in terms of implant survival?

Bilateral TKA have a better survival than unilateral TKA.

A number of 14,652 bilateral and 27,440 unilateral TKAs were compared. Influencing factors were tested with hazard ratios applied on bilateral knees.

Bilateral knees had a better survival (p<0.001). Delay between first and second side surgeries had an influence on survival of the first knee: if below a year, the first knee survival was superior to the second knee; more than three years between both arthroplasties significantly decreased the survival of the first implant. If the first knee was revised, the hazard ratio for revision of the second implant was 3.5.

Series should include separate evaluations of bilateral cases, because they have a better survival than unilateral knees. A long delay between both knee replacements could impact both implant survivals. Level of Evidence III, Cohort Comparative Study.