Is Simultaneous Bilateral Knee Replacement a Safe Approach for Patients with Bilateral Knee Osteoarthritis? A
Mohammad Abdalla1, Mohamed Elsagheir2, Ahmed Ashry3
1Cairo University Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Egypt.
Ortopedia, Traumatologia, Rehabilitacja
|February 27, 2024
Summary
Simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty (STKA) is safe for low-risk patients, offering shorter hospital stays. However, elderly, high-risk individuals may face increased systemic complications.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitative Medicine
Background:
- Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the gold standard for end-stage knee osteoarthritis.
- Simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty (STKA) presents a potentially cost-effective approach for patients with bilateral knee disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare complication rates and functional outcomes between STKA and staged bilateral TKA.
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of simultaneous versus staged bilateral knee replacement.
Main Methods:
- A prospective randomized comparative study included 53 patients with knee osteoarthritis.
- Patients were divided into STKA (30) and staged bilateral TKA (30) groups, with 7 exclusions.
- Follow-up duration was at least 12 months post-surgery.
Main Results:
- Systemic complications were more frequent in the STKA group, particularly in elderly and high-risk patients.
- STKA demonstrated shorter hospitalization and operative times in low-risk patient cohorts.
- Pre-operative demographic parameters were balanced between the simultaneous and staged groups.
Conclusions:
- STKA is a safe and viable option for younger, low-risk patients (ASA 1-2).
- Simultaneous bilateral TKA leads to significantly reduced hospital stays.
- The procedure is not recommended for elderly patients with a higher risk of systemic complications.
