Is It Safe to Have Both Knees Replaced at Once?

"If you and your surgeon decide that total knee replacement is right for you, a date will be scheduled for your surgery. Several things may be necessary to prepare for surgery. For example, your surgeon might ask you to have a physical examination by an internist or your regular doctor.

Because blood transfusions are likely to be needed during your surgery, you may want to donate one unit of your own blood, or possibly two units if your surgeon feels it is needed. All preparations for surgery should be discussed with your surgeon.

On the day of surgery, a small tube (intravenous line) will be inserted into your arm. This tube will be used to administer antibiotics and other medication during your surgery. You will then be taken to the operating room and given anesthesia. After the anesthesia takes effect, your knee will be scrubbed and sterilized with a special solution.

The surgery will begin with an incision over the knee that will expose the joint. When the bones are fully visible to the surgeon, special, precision guides and instruments are used to remove the damaged surfaces and shape the ends of the bones to accept the implants.

The implants are then secured to the bones. It might also be necessary to adjust the ligaments that surround the knee in order to achieve the best possible knee function. When the surgeon is satisfied with the fit and function of the implants, the incision will be closed.

A special drain may be inserted into the wound to drain the fluids that naturally develop at the surgical site. A sterile bandage will then be applied, and you will be taken to the recovery room, where you will be closely monitored. Your surgery will likely take between one and three hours, depending on your individual circumstances.

As your anesthesia wears off, you will slowly regain consciousness. A nurse will be with you, and may encourage you to cough or breath deeply to help clear your lungs. You will also be given pain medication. When you are fully awake, you will be taken to your hospital room. Your knee will remain swollen and tender for a few days.

When you are back in your hospital room, you will begin a rehabilitation program that will help you regain strength, balance, and range of movement in your knee. This program will be designed specifically for you. It may include a machine, called a continuous passive motion machine that automatically moves your leg to help reduce stiffness. (NOTE: this is a bit disconcerting but not painful).

Your physical therapist will help you perform appropriate exercises. About 24 hours after surgery, you will probably be asked to stand. Within the next 24 hours, you will probably begin to walk a few steps with the help of a walker. You will be discharged as soon as your surgeon determined that you have recovered sufficiently. You can expect to stay in the hospital for about three days after your surgery. You may or may not be transferred to a rehabilitation facility for a few more days, as determined by your surgeon. Your bandages and sutures will usually be removed before you leave the hospital. At home, you will need to continue your exercises. Your physical therapist will instruct you about proper home care, and may continue to work with you.

Within six weeks after surgery, most patients are able to walk with a cane. You will probably feel well enough to drive a car within seven to eight weeks after surgery.

In most cases, successful joint replacement surgery will relieve your pain and stiffness, and allow you to resume many of your normal daily activities. But even after you have fully recovered from your surgery, you will still have some restrictions. Normal daily activities do not include contact sports or activities that put excessive strain on your joints. Although your artificial joint can be replaced, a second implant is seldom as effective as the first.

Knee replacement is a routine surgery performed on over 600,000 people worldwide each year. Over 90% of people who have had Total Knee Replacement experience an improvement in knee pain and function."


Slings for little broken bones Approved by Orthopedic Surgeons
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.



Is It Safe to Have Both Knees Replaced at Once?

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.

One concern of bilateral knee replacement is if there is an increased chance of complications from surgery. One complication, having a blood clot, has recently been shown to occur more frequently in patients having both knees replaced in one operation.

Discuss with your doctor if you want to consider bilateral knee replacement.


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.

 I am wondering is it safe to return to playing softball by April. I have been running, jumping, doing core weights since February. My therapists feel I’m ready to return to the sport. My main position is catching and 3rd base. What do you think? Should I wait out the 7 month period ? Physically I feel great but mentally I’m worried of reinjury. Would wearing a brace help?