Total Knee Replacement B/L: Symptoms, Classification, Diagnosis & Recovery

Before bilateral knee replacement surgery, the surgeon may conduct a series of diagnostic tests to check for your overall fitness. The following tests are performed:

• Physical Examination
• ECG
• Blood tests
• Chest X-ray

These diagnostic tests help the healthcare team understand the patient's overall health, identify potential risks, and tailor the surgical approach to the individual's specific needs. The results guide the orthopedic surgeon in planning and performing a successful bilateral knee replacement surgery while minimizing potential complications.

You may also be advised to perform a few exercises to strengthen the muscles of your knee and legs. This helps ensure faster and easier recovery. You are advised to talk to your surgeon and a few of his patients to set expectations for the procedure. You should be aware of the approximate knee replacement recovery time and the amount of pain that you are likely to experience.

You will be told not to eat or drink anything at least six to 12 hours before the surgery. If needed, your surgeon will conduct an arthroscopic examination of your knee to see the extent of damage and devise a surgical approach that best suits your condition.

Bilateral knee replacement surgery can be approached in two ways: either both knees are addressed in a single surgery or each knee is operated on separately in distinct procedures. Opting for simultaneous surgery is often favored for younger patients with overall good health. In contrast, individual surgeries may be recommended, with a gap of a few hours to days between them.

Administration of Anesthesia: In the course of bilateral knee replacement surgery, patients are administered either general anesthesia for unconsciousness or spinal anesthesia to induce numbness. The knee is then accessed, either through an open incision or a small one in the case of minimally invasive procedures.

Type of Knee Implants: The surgical process involves the removal of the kneecap and the extraction of damaged or diseased knee components. These are substituted with implants crafted from metal, plastic, or ceramic materials, chosen based on the surgeon's assessment. The fixation of implants can be cemented or cementless, and the incision is meticulously closed using stitches. This comprehensive approach aims to restore knee function and alleviate discomfort, promoting a smoother recovery for individuals undergoing bilateral knee replacement surgery.

Typically lasting between 1 to 2 hours, knee replacement surgery involves a series of precise steps by the surgeon. This includes making a strategic incision over the knee, skillfully removing diseased and damaged bone and cartilage while preserving healthy bone, and finally, expertly implanting replacement components into the thighbone, shinbone, and kneecap. This meticulous process aims to restore function and alleviate pain, paving the way for improved mobility and quality of life.

Bilateral knee replacement surgery is a major procedure and therefore, recovery may take time. You are likely to experience pain for the initial few weeks. However, it goes away gradually as you start performing physical exercises recommended by the doctor.

You should keep your wound dry and clean to prevent infection after the surgery. In addition, you should elevate your leg often for reduced pain. Talk to your surgeon if you experience redness, swelling, or inflammation around the knee.