Abstract
Single-stage bilateral total knee arthroplasty is an uncommon and often controversial procedure. Recent reports have refined the data relative to bilateral total knee arthroplasty and complications which include myocardial infarction, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolus and death. Less significant complications, including post-operative ileus and pseudo-obstruction are also more common following bilateral replacement.
A retrospective study of the cases of total knee arthroplasty performed by the senior authors in the last ten years, examines details of surgery and anaesthesia, pre and post-operative management to identify the occurrence of complications. Patients also completed an Oxford Knee Score and a questionnaire relating to their experience of having a bilateral procedure.
While the outcomes and cost benefits of single stage bilateral replacement are established, the risk of complications remains. This study establishes the low complication rate associated with this procedure in the senior authors’ hands, and documents the high patient satisfaction from it.
The study demonstrates that, in selected patients, simultaneous bilateral knee replacement surgery can be performed with good outcomes without a definite increase in perioperative risk.
The abstracts were prepared by Jean-Claude Theis. Correspondence should be addressed to him at Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dunedin Hospital, Private Bag 1921, Dunedin, New Zealand.
