Aims. Simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been used due to its financial advantages, overall resource usage, and convenience for the patient. The training model where a trainee performs the first TKA, followed by the trainer surgeon performing the second TKA, is a unique model to our institution. This study aims to analyze the functional and clinical outcomes of bilateral simultaneous TKA when performed by a trainee or a supervising surgeon, and also to assess these outcomes based on which side was done by the trainee or by the surgeon. Methods. This was a retrospective cohort study of all simultaneous bilateral TKAs performed by a single surgeon in an academic institution between May 2003 and November 2017. Exclusion criteria were the use of partial knee arthroplasty procedures, staged bilateral procedures, and procedures not performed by the senior author on one side and the trainee on another. Primary clinical outcomes of interest included revision and re-revision. Primary functional outcomes included the Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and patient satisfaction scores. Results. In total, 315 patients (630 knees) were included for analysis. Of these, functional scores were available for 189 patients (378 knees). There was a 1.9% (n = 12) all-cause revision rate for all knees. Overall, 12 knees in ten patients were revised, and both right and left knees were revised in two patients. The OKS and patient satisfaction scores were comparable for trainees and supervising surgeons. A majority of patients (88%, n = 166) were either highly likely (67%, n = 127) or likely (21%, n = 39) to recommend bilateral TKAs to a friend. Conclusion. Simultaneous bilateral TKA can be used as an effective teaching model for trainees without any significant impact on patient clinical or functional outcomes. Excellent functional and clinical outcomes in both knees, regardless of whether the performing surgeon is a trainee or supervising surgeon, can be achieved with simultaneous bilateral TKA. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(1):29–34

Abstract. Introduction. In patients with bilateral unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis, simultaneous bilateral surgery is cost effective, with both patient-specific and wider socioeconomic benefits. There are concerns however regarding higher complication rates with bilateral knee surgery. This study compares simultaneous bilateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), to single side UKA in terms of complications and outcomes. Methodology. This is a retrospective case-control study of single side medial UKA patients (controls) and simultaneous bilateral medial UKA patients (cases). All patients underwent surgery between 2018 and 2022 by a single surgeon. The two cohorts were compared for perioperative blood loss (PBL), length of stay (LOS), complications (infections, blood clots, wound problems), Oxford Knee Score improvement (OKS) and revision surgery, with a follow-up period of up to 5 years. Results. 64 patients were followed up comprising 55 controls and 9 cases. Average length of stay for controls was 1.55 days and 2.22 days for cases (p=0.03). Average haemoglobin drop was 7.5g/l in controls and 12.8g/l in cases (p=0.04). The OKS improvement was comparable in both groups (p=0.95) with no complications and no revision surgery in either group. Conclusion. The statistically significant differences in PBL and LOS were not clinically relevant. There were no blood transfusions and postoperative haemoglobin was within normal range in more than 60% of cases. Simultaneous bilateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty is a financially favourable and safe option for patients with bilateral knee medial unicompartmental osteoarthritis

Simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with bilateral hip osteoarthritis is gradually becoming attractive, as it requires a single anesthesia and hospitalization. However, there are concerns about the potential complications following this surgical option. The purpose of this study is to compare the short-term major and minor complications and assess the readmission rate, between patients treated with same-day bilateral THA and those with staged procedures within a year. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all patients with bilateral hip osteoarthritis that underwent simultaneous or staged (within a year) bilateral total THA in our institution, between 2016-2020. Preoperative patient variables between the two groups were compared using the 2-sample t-test for continuous variables, the Fisher's exact test for binary variables, or the chi-square test for multiple categorical variables. Similarly, differences in the 30-day major and minor complications and readmission rates were assessed. A logistic regression model was also developed to identify potential risk factors. A total of 160 patients (mean age: 64.3 years, SD: ±11.7) that underwent bilateral THA was identified. Seventy-nine patients were treated with simultaneous and eighty-one patients with staged procedures. There were no differences in terms of preoperative laboratory values, gender, age, Body Mass Index (BMI), or American Society of Anesthesiologists Scores (ASA) (p>0.05) between the two groups. Patients in the simultaneous group were more likely to receive general anesthesia (43% vs 9.9%, p0.05). After controlling for potential confounders, the multivariable logistic regression analysis showed similar odds of having a major (odds ratio 0.29, 95% confidence interval [0.30-2.88], p=0.29) or minor (odds ratio 1.714, 95% confidence interval [0.66-4.46], p=0.27) complication after simultaneous compared to staged bilateral THA. No differences in emergency department visits or readmission for reasons related to the procedure were recorded (p>0.05). This study shows that similar complication and readmission rates are expected after simultaneous and staged THAs. Simultaneous bilateral THA is a safe and effective procedure, that should be sought actively and counselled by surgeons, for patients that present with radiologic and clinical bilateral hip disease

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the use of simultaneous hip arthroplasty compared to staged procedures in patients with bilateral pathology. The aim of this study was to compare simultaneous and staged hip arthroplasty in patients with bilateral pathology by assessing the transfusion rate, postoperative hemoglobin drop, length of stay (LOS), in-hospital complications, 30-days readmissions, leg length difference and early functional outcome. We conducted a retrospective cohort study that included all patients who were undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) by a single surgeon in a high-volume arthroplasty center between 2015 and 2020 as simultaneous or staged procedures. Staged bilateral arthroplasties were performed within 12 months and were stratified by the time between procedures. Data was acquired through the electronic files at the Orthopädische Chirurgie München (OCM). For functional outcome we compared the ability of the patients to walk independently on the ward and the ability to walk a set of stairs alone which was recorded daily by the attending physiotherapist. In total n=290 patients were assessed for eligibility and included in this study. One hundred and thirty eight patients were allocated to the staged arthroplasty group. The second staged procedure was performed within 12 months of the first procedure. One hundred and fifty two patients were allocated to the simultaneous arthroplasty group. No statistical difference was found between the two groups regarding demographic data. Primary outcome measurements: There was no significant difference in transfusion rate or complication rate (p=0.1147). In both groups the transfusion rate was actually 0%. Secondarily, no statistically significant difference was found between the postoperative hemoglobin drop (p=0.1147) and the functional outcome (p=0.7249), nor the length of stay (LOS) (p=: 0.6415), as well as the 30 days readmission rate between both groups. No difference was found in leg length in the simultaneous group. The OR time in the simultaneous group ranged from 62min to 111min with an average of 77min. No surgery exceeded a 120min window. We observed no significant differences in transfusion rate, in hospital complications, as well as readmission rate between both groups. The early functional outcome showed no significant difference in mobility. Simultaneous hip arthroplasty is as safe as a staged procedure, with no higher risk for the patient, in a specialized high volume center with a specialized surgeon and an adequate team. Level of evidence: Level IV

Introduction. The effect of lower extremity lengthening on physeal growth is still controversial. We aim to compare data of the patients who had bilateral simultaneous femur and tibia lengthening with the patients who underwent the lengthening surgery separately for the femur and tibia at the end of completed skeletal maturation in terms of the effect of physeal growth. Materials and Methods. Twenty-six patients were included who operated in our clinic between 1995 and 2015 for limb lengthening. Fourteen patients with bilateral lengthening of the femur and tibia at the same time were named as simultaneous lengthening (SL). Twelve patients with bilateral lengthening of the femur and then bilateral tibia lengthening seperately were named consecutively lengthening (CL). All patients were followed until completion of growth. The physeal arrest was measured using predicted length (investigated with the multiplier method), the total amount of lengthening and final length. Results. Mean lower limb lengthening was 145 mm (48,5%) and 151 mm (46,6%) for simultaneous and consecutive groups respectively. For lower extremity length, the SL reached 527,6 mm while expected was 447,3 mm. Considering 151 mm lengthening, the mean growth disturbance for the SL was 70,7 mm. The CL group revealed a mean of 47,5 mm disturbance. For total height comparison, disturbance was 80,5mm and 65,4mm respectively. Conclusions. Although simultaneous four segment lengthening have more physiological physeal disturbance effects compared to consecutive operations, there was no statistical difference between the two groups

Introduction. A large proportion of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have severe osteoarthritis in both knees and may consider either simultaneous or staged bilateral TKA. The implications of staged versus simultaneously bilateral TKA for return to work are not well understood. We hypothesized that employed patients who underwent simultaneous bilateral TKA would have significantly fewer days missed from work compared to the sum of days missed from each surgery for patients who underwent staged bilateral TKA. Methods. The prospective arthroplasty registry at Hospital for Special Surgery was utilized. We identified 61 employed patients who had undergone staged bilateral TKA and 152 employed patients who had undergone simultaneous bilateral TKA and had completed the registry's return to work questionnaire. Baseline characteristics and patient reported outcome scores were evaluated. We used a linear regression model, adjusting for potential confounders including age, sex, pre-op BMI, and work type (sedentary, moderate, high activity, or strenuous), to analyze workdays lost after staged versus simultaneous bilateral TKA. Results. Staged patients missed a mean total of 67.9±46.1 days of work across both TKA surgeries, compared to 46.5±29.0 days missed in the simultaneous group (p<0.001). In multivariate mixed regression analysis, adjusted for age, sex, BMI, ASA status, and work type, the staged group missed 16.9±5.7 more days of work compared to the simultaneous group (95%CI 5.8 to 28.1, p=0.003). Compared to sedentary work type, patients with high or strenuous work activity missed 19.4±9.4 (p=0.040) more total work days. Conclusions. Employed patients undergoing simultaneous bilateral TKA missed 17 fewer days of work over the course of their surgical treatment and rehabilitation compared to those undergoing staged bilateral TKA. This information may be useful to surgeons counseling patients with bilateral knee osteoarthritis about staged versus simultaneous bilateral surgery

It is estimated that approximately 3.1 – 7.7% of the general population suffers from primary osteoarthritis of the hip, with up to 42% of these cases being bilateral. The odds of undergoing a contralateral THA after index unilateral THA range from 16–85%. Up to 20% of these patients have the contralateral THA within 5 years. For this patient population, simultaneous bilateral THA may be an appealing option but it remains controversial. Proponents of bilateral simultaneous THA cite advantages such as a single anesthetic exposure, overall shorter length of hospital stay, quicker recovery, earlier return to function, less time off of work, and potential economic advantages. Only recently has there been more data emerging on patients undergoing simultaneous bilateral THA through the direct anterior approach (DAA). The DAA has the distinct advantage of supine positioning that facilitates easy exposure to both hips without the need to reposition the patient onto a fresh surgical incision while performing the second operation. Recent publications suggest that bilateral simultaneous DAA is a safe procedure and may have economic benefits as well. At our institution between 2010 and 2016, a consecutive series of 105 patients (210 hips) undergoing simultaneous bilateral DAA THA and a matched group of 217 patients undergoing unilateral DAA THA by the same surgeon at a single institution were reviewed. The two groups were matched by gender, age, body mass index and date of surgery. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of early complications. There were 2 complications in the unilateral group that were intraoperative nondisplaced calcar fractures that were treated with a single cerclage cable and 50% weight bearing for four weeks. There were 6 in-hospital systemic complications in the unilateral group compared to 7 in the bilateral group (p = 0.129). In-hospital systemic complications were similar between the two groups and included urinary retention, cardiopulmonary abnormalities, alcohol withdrawal, and nausea / vomiting. There were a total of 14 30-day follow-up hip-related complications in the unilateral group compared to 5 in the bilateral group (p = 0.06) These complications were similar between the two groups and included wound healing issues, tendinitis / bursitis, deep infection, nerve palsy, stem subsidence, and instability. Intraoperative estimated blood loss (EBL) was 360cc in the unilateral group compared to 555cc in the bilateral group (p < 0.001). The bilateral group had lower postoperative day one (POD1) hemoglobin (9.5 g/dl vs. 10.2 g/dl; p < 0.001). Four percent of unilateral patients required blood transfusion compared to 11% in the bilateral group. There were significant differences between the two groups in terms of distance ambulated on POD1 and length of stay (LOS). On average, the unilateral patients walked 235 feet on POD1 compared to 182 feet for the bilateral patients (p < 0.001). Length of stay was significantly longer in the bilateral group (1.95 days vs. 1.12 days; p < 0.001). All 322 patients involved in the study were discharged to home except for a single patient in the bilateral group who was discharged to a skilled nursing facility. In conclusion, we found no difference in in-hospital or 30-day complication rates when comparing the simultaneous bilateral group to the unilateral group. The main difference when compared to unilateral surgery is increased blood loss yet this did not directly result in specific complications. Simultaneous bilateral DAA THA can be performed safely and without an unacceptably high perioperative complication rate

Introduction. Perioperative hospital adverse events are an issue that every surgeon endeavors to avoid and minimize as much as possible. Even “minor events” such as fever or tachycardia may lead to significant costs due to workup tests, inter-consultations, and/or increased hospital stay. The objective of this study was compare perioperative outcomes (hospital length of stay [LOS], discharge disposition), rates of in-hospital adverse events and transfusion, and postoperative readmission and reoperation rates for simultaneous and staged bilateral direct anterior total hip arthroplasty (DA-THA) patients. Methods. A retrospective chart review was conducted on a consecutive series of 411 primary bilateral DA-THAs performed between 2010 and 2016 at a single institution by two fellowship trained surgeons. These were categorized as: (1) simultaneous (same anesthesia, n=122) and (2) staged (different hospitalizations, n=289). The mean time between staged surgeries was 468 days (± 414 days). Baseline patient demographics as well as hospital LOS, discharge disposition (home vs. other), hospital adverse events (i.e., nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, fever, confusion, pulmonary embolism, etc.), blood transfusions, and unplanned hospital readmissions and reoperations within 90 days were collected. Groups were compared using independent –tests, Fisher's exact test, and Pearson Chi-Square. Results. Overall, the baseline patient characteristics of the simultaneous DA-THA group had significantly younger patients, a higher proportion of males, and twice the proportion of patients with ASA 1 status compared with the staged DA-THA group. The simultaneous group showed statistically significant longer LOS (2.6 vs. 1.8 days, p<0.001) and an increased proportion of patients discharged to an extended care facility (23% vs. 5.9%, p<0.001). The overall rate of hospital adverse events in the series was 136/411 (33.1%), with a higher rate in the simultaneous DA-THA patients (54.1% vs. 24.2%, p<0.001). Transfusion rate was higher in the simultaneous DA-THA group (45.9%) compared to the staged group (6.9%) (p<0.001). There were no readmissions and a single reoperation in the staged DA-THA group at 90 days postoperative. Conclusion. These data show that bilateral DA-THAs performed in a staged fashion, rather than simultaneously, have a shorter hospital LOS and decreased rates of hospital adverse events and transfusions

Simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasties (THAs) present unique and unwarranted dangers to the patient and surgeon alike. These include a significantly increased risk of blood transfusion (up to 50% in contemporary series even with the use of tranexamic acid), longer operative times, longer length of stays, and higher mortality rates in patients with minimal risk factors (age > 75 years, rheumatoid arthritis, higher ASA class, and/or male sex). This is even in light of the fact that the vast majority of literature has a substantial selection bias in which only the healthiest, youngest, non-obese, and most motivated patients are included. Traditionally, simultaneous bilateral THAs were completed in the lateral decubitus position. This required the surgeon and surgical team to reposition the patient onto a fresh wound, as well as additional prepping and draping. To mitigate these additional limitations of simultaneous bilateral THAs, there has been a recent trend towards utilizing the direct anterior approach. However, this particular approach presents its own unique set of complications such as an increased risk of periprosthetic femoral fracture and early femoral failure, an increased risk of impaired wound healing (particularly in obese patients), potential injury to the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve with subsequent neurogenic pain, and traction-related neurologic injuries. When compounded with the risks of simultaneous bilateral THAs, the complication profile becomes prohibitive for an elective procedure with an otherwise very low morbidity

For 3 decades surgeons have vigorously debated whether it is reasonable to offer simultaneous bilateral total knee replacement (TKA) to patients. Even after this substantial period of time there remain no randomised clinical trials that have addressed this issue and thus, it remains difficult to fully evaluate both the relative risks and the absolute risks of bilateral simultaneous versus staged bilateral knee replacement. What has emerged over the past couple of decades, however, is an understanding that there is a subset of patients with substantial comorbidities such as pre-existent cardiac disease and advanced age for whom bilateral simultaneous knee replacement seems unwise. For younger or otherwise healthy patients the debate continues in 2016 and seems to be focused less on the data itself than on how individual surgeons come to reconcile the differences between Relative Risk and Absolute Risk. When data is pooled from multiple retrospective studies of simultaneous versus staged bilateral TKA there are 2 clear trends that appear in the data. First, the relative risk of certain substantial complications (cardiac, thromboembolic, neurologic, gastrointestinal, and death) seems to be higher after simultaneous bilateral TKA than after staged bilateral TKA. Oakes and Hanssen highlighted these differences in Relative Risk noting that for each of those 5 outcomes there was a 2 to 5 times greater incidence of these complications after bilateral versus unilateral TKA. At the same time, however, it is clear that for most medically uncomplicated patients the Absolute Risk of a major complication is still fairly low — it is likely that >93% of such patients can undergo simultaneous bilateral TKA without encountering a major complication. Individual surgeons and individual patients often view those kinds of statistics in markedly disparate ways. One set of surgeons and patients will view the Relative Risk as most important and be decidedly concerned about the 2–5 times higher risk of certain complications. Another set of patients and surgeons will look at the Absolute Risk as most important and determine that it is decidedly most likely (>93%) that an individual healthy patient will make it through bilateral simultaneous TKA without major medical complications. Overall the conclusions of Oakes and Hanssen from a decade ago remain relevant in 2016: the overall risk of a peri-operative complication is higher with simultaneous bilateral TKA … and this is particularly true for the risk of peri-operative death. While some surgeons and some patients will decide that the increases in Relative Risk is offset by the fairly low Absolute Risk of complications and thus, feel comfortable with bilateral simultaneous TKA, other patients and other surgeons will not

Background. Direct anterior approach (DAA), total hip arthroplasty (THA, performed with the patient in the supine position, creates a unique opportunity to do bilateral THA under one anesthesia. Previous studies evaluating this option are limited by small sample size or lack of control group. The purpose of this study is to compare early clinical outcomes of simultaneous bilateral, unilateral and staged bilateral DAA-THA. Methods. Using an institutional registry database, we reviewed 3977 DAA-THA performed in 3334 patients at minimum 90-days follow up. A single surgeon performed all surgeries. Simultaneous bilateral DAA-THA group included 512 hips in 256 patients, unilateral DAA-THA group 2691 hips and staged bilateral DAA-THA group 774 hips in 387 patients. We reviewed 90-day postoperative complications, readmissions, length of stay, and rate of home discharge between all three groups. Results. There were no statistical differences in readmission (range 0.77–1.8%), postoperative clinical complications, and rate of home discharge (96.1–98.1%) between simultaneous bilateral, unilateral, or staged bilateral groups. The number of transfusions in the simultaneous bilateral group (9/256, 3.5%) was significantly higher than in the unilateral (24/2691, 0.89%, p=0.002) or the staged bilateral group (4/387, 1.0%, p=0.04). The total length of stay (LOS) in the simultaneous bilateral group (1.8 ± 0.8 days) was longer (p<0.001) than in the unilateral group (1.2 ± 1.0 days) but shorter (p<0.001) than the two added LOS in the staged bilateral group (2.8 ± 2.2 days). Conclusion. Our large cohort in a single surgeon case showed that simultaneous bilateral DAA-THA is comparable with unilateral or staged bilateral surgery in regards to postoperative clinical complications, readmission rate, and rate of home discharge but with an increased rate of transfusion. We believe that simultaneous bilateral DAA-THA is a reasonable and safe option in properly selected patients who require bilateral THA

The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety and outcome of bilateral simultaneous ACL reconstruction. In patients presenting with an ACL-deficient knee, 2 – 4% have bilateral ACL deficiency. A staged or simultaneous approach can be adopted when the patient requires reconstructive surgery for both knees. We report a case series of 8 patients (6 male, 2 female, average age 30.4 years) who underwent bilateral simultaneous ACL reconstruction. Simultaneous or bilateral ACL reconstruction using ipsilateral patella tendon graft has been reported as a safe procedure with outcome and complication rate no different to unilateral procedures. Considerable cost savings of simultaneous over staged procedures have also been described. There are no case series in the published literature that describe the use of hamstring tendon autograft for bilateral simultaneous ACL reconstruction. We used two camera stack systems and instrument sets to allow for simultaneous bilateral surgery by two surgical teams. Quadrupled hamstring tendon graft was used in 4 patients although in one patient patella tendon graft was used on the second side due to poor quality of hamstring tendons. Patella tendon graft was also used in a further 4 patients. At two weeks all patients were able to discard crutches and were independent in mobility. There was no difference in outcome at one year between those patients undergoing bilateral simultaneous ACL reconstruction in comparison to the outcomes of unilateral ACL reconstruction with respect to Lysholm, Tegner and IKDC scores. The mean follow up period was 2.3 years. Our results demonstrate that bilateral simultaneous ACL reconstruction is safe and cost effective. A simultaneous approach also has the benefit of reducing the overall period of rehabilitation required by the patient. We report good short-term functional outcome but no long-term data is yet available

Background. Fifteen to twenty percent of patients presenting for total hip arthroplasty (THA) have bilateral disease. While simultaneous bilateral THA is of interest to patients and surgeons, debate persists regarding its merits. The majority of previous reports on simultaneous bilateral THA involve patients in the lateral decubitus position, which require repositioning, prepping and draping, and exposure of a fresh wound to pressure and manipulation for the contralateral THA. The purpose of this study was to compare complications, component position, and financial parameters for simultaneous versus staged bilateral THAs using the direct anterior approach (DAA). Methods. Medical records were reviewed for patient demographics, medical history, operative time, estimated blood loss (EBL), change in hemoglobin, transfusion, tranexamic acid (TXA) use, length of stay (LOS), discharge disposition, leg length discrepancy, acetabular cup position, and perioperative complications. Cost and reimbursement data were analyzed. Results. Forty-four patients were included in the sequential group and fifteen patients in the simultaneous group (Figure 1). Operative time was significantly longer for simultaneous DAA THA, with procedures lasting 260 +/− 48 minutes compared to 132 +/− 30 minutes for a single arthroplasty in the sequential group (p<0.001). Patients undergoing simultaneous bilateral DAA THA also had a significantly higher EBL (p<0.001), hemoglobin drop (p<0.001), and blood transfusion rate (p<0.01) compared to parameters for a single arthroplasty in the sequential group. This was despite TXA being used in a significantly higher proportion of simultaneous procedures compared to sequential procedures (p<0.01). The LOS was significantly longer in patients undergoing simultaneous bilateral DAA THA (2.9 +/− 1.0 days) compared to sequential (2.2 +/− 0.6 days) (p<0.001). No deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) was detected in either group during the observation period. No significant difference was detected regarding perioperative complications or whether patients were able to be discharged home instead of to a post-inpatient facility (Figure 2). There was no significant difference in component position, complications, or readmissions between groups. Total cost per hip was significantly less for the simultaneous ($15,565 +/− 1,470) compared to the sequential group ($19,602 +/− 3,094) (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in total payments between the simultaneous group ($25,717 +/− 4,404) and the sequential group ($24,926 +/− 8,203) (p=0.93). Thus, with lower cost and similar reimbursement, profit per hip was significantly higher for the simultaneous ($9,606 +/− 5,060) compared to the sequential group ($5,324 +/− 7,997) (p<0.05). (Figure 3). Conclusions. Significant data regarding simultaneous bilateral THA has been published but results are conflicting and different surgical approaches were used. To our knowledge only four previous reports have been published examining simultaneous bilateral THA performed via the DAA. While simultaneous DAA THA presents challenges, our results suggest that simultaneous DAA THA may add value to the healthcare system without resulting in increased complications compared to sequential hip arthroplasty

Introduction:. The safety of simultaneous bilateral knee replacement (BTKA) remains controversial. Some studies have proposed a higher incidence of serious complications, even death, following BTKA whilst others refute the latter. The objective of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the safety of BTKA. Methods:. A computerised literature search was conducted to identify all citations, between 1966 to 2005, concerning BTKA. All the English-language abstracts were obtained. A multistage assessment was then used to identify articles fulfilling the inclusion criteria for the study. All randomised, prospective studies reporting the outcome of BTKA were included. Details of any reported data were extracted and extensive analysis of relevant variables carried out. Results:. 150 published articles pertaining to BTKA were identified of which 18 papers on 27,807 patients (44,684 knees) were included in the meta-analysis. 10,734 cases were unilateral TKA, 16,378 were simultaneous BTKA and 458 were staged bilateral TKA with at least 3 months’ time duration between the surgical procedures. The complications analyzed were DVT, PE, cardiac events and mortality. The incidence of PE (OR=1.8), cardiac complications (OR=2.4), and mortality (OR=2.24) were higher after simultaneous BTKA. The incidence of DVT was LOWER in the group with simultaneous BTKA. Discussion:. Based on the findings of this meta-analysis, simultaneous BTKA seems to carry a higher risk of serious cardiac complications, pulmonary complications, and mortality. This procedure should be reserved for the healthy and young patients

The aim of this study was to assess the perioperative complications associated with bilateral simultaneous UKR and compare them with those of unilateral UKR and bilateral TKRs. Over a 2 year period, 40 patients underwent bilateral simultaneous Preservation unicompartmental knee replacement UKR. They were compared to 40 matched unilateral UKRs and 28 bilateral simultaneous total knee replacement patients who had their operations during the same time period by the senior author. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of age, weight, ASA grade and throm-boprophylaxis received. There was no statistically significant difference in the complication rates of all 3 groups. When compared to 2 unilateral UKRs, bilateral simultaneous UKR results in a reduced operative time, blood loss and hospital stay but more blood transfusion. When compared to bilateral TKRs, bilateral simultaneous UKR results in reduced blood loss, reduced blood transfusion and hospital stay but an increased operative time. Bilateral UKR is a useful option in selected patients with bilateral unicompartmental osteoarthritis

Introduction. The safety of simultaneous bilateral knee replacement (BTKA) remains controversial. Some studies have proposed a higher incidence of serious complications, even death, following BTKA whilst others refute the latter. The objective of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the safety of BTKA. Methods. A computerised literature search was conducted to identify all citations, between 1966 to 2005, concerning BTKA. All the English-language abstracts were obtained. A multistage assessment was then used to identify articles fulfilling the inclusion criteria for the study. All randomised, prospective studies reporting the outcome of BTKA were included. Details of any reported data were extracted and extensive analysis of relevant variables carried out. Results. 150 published articles pertaining to BTKA were identified of which 18 papers on 27,807 patients (44,684 knees) were included in the meta-analysis. 10,734 cases were unilateral TKA, 16,378 were simultaneous BTKA and 458 were staged bilateral TKA with at least 3 months time duration between the surgical procedures. The complications analysed were DVT, PE, cardiac events and mortality. The incidence of PE (OR=1.8), cardiac complications (OR=2.4), and mortality (OR=2.24) were higher after simultaneous BTKA. The incidence of DVT was LOWER in the group with simultaneous BTKA. Discussion. Based on the findings of this meta-analysis, simultaneous BTKA seems to carry a higher risk of serious cardiac complications, pulmonary complications, and mortality. This procedure should be reserved for the healthy and young patients

Background:. A large percentage of the patients who present for unilateral TKA have bilateral disease. Performing simultaneous, bilateral TKA has been debated and currently there is no consensus on the risks and benefit of this approach. In addition, specific selection criteria have not been defined to more accurately identify which patients are potentially appropriate candidates for this approach. Objectives:. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes and peri-operative complications in simultaneous, bilateral TKA's using pre-operative patient selection criteria. Methods:. A retrospective analysis of 117 consecutive patients, (234 knees), was performed between February 2008 and March 2012 who underwent simultaneous, bilateral TKA performed by one surgeon under a single anesthetic. Pre-operative selection criteria were used for all patients to qualify for a simultaneous bilateral approach. This included the following: . 1). BMI less than 34,. 2). Minimum arc of motion to 100 degrees flexion,. 3). Flexion contracture less than 10 degrees,. 4). Varus or valgus alignment less than 10 degrees,. 5). No prior history of cardiovascular disease. 6). Age Less than 70 years old. Clinical outcomes were assessed including anesthesia type, tourniquet time, length of stay, transfusion rate, pre- op hemoglobin, post-op hemoglobin, pre-op range of motion, post-op range of motion, DVT and PE. Knee Society Score (KSS) and Functional KSS were assessed pre-operatively and 1 year post-operatively. Anatomic and mechanical axis evaluation was also performed on all patients with long standing radiographs pre and post operatively. A control group of 573 consecutive patients undergoing unilateral total knee arthroplasty during this same time period were identified and matched for the year of surgery, and prosthesis type. The same selection criteria were used for the control group and the same data points were evaluated. Results:. One hundred and seventeen consecutive patients, (234 knees), undergoing simultaneous, bilateral TKA were reviewed. There were no DVT's, or PE's. Nineteen percent required a transfusion for post-operative anemia. There were no cases of deep infection. Average pre-op KSS score was 49, with a post KSS score of 89 at an average follow-up of 1 year. Average pre-op Functional KSS score was 52, with an average post-op Functional KSS score of 91. Average ROM at one year post-op was 0 degrees of extension and 123 degrees of flexion. Average anatomic axis was 6 degrees valgus with a neutral mechanical axis restored in all patients. The clinical outcomes of the control group were comparable, with no statistically significant increase in the incidence of perioperative complications between the study group and the control group. Conclusion:. When the degenerative process involves both knees with comparable severity, the decision to perform total knee arthroplasty on one knee at a time with a staged approach, verses a simultaneous bilateral approach, has been challenging for many surgeons. There have been previous reports of increased perioperative complications associated with bilateral total knee arthroplasty, including increased risks of cardiovascular, neurological complications, as well as the increased demands on rehabilitation. Similarly, benefits of simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty have also been identified such as, shortened rehabilitation, improved patient satisfaction, and decreased costs both to the patient and the hospital system. Using pre-operative patient selection criteria, the decision process in determining which patients are appropriate candidates for a bilateral approach can be facilitated, with clinical outcomes comparable to unilateral total knee arthroplasty

Aim: To identify the local and systemic morbidity of simultaneous sequential bilateral total knee arthroplasty in a large patient population and to undertake a comparative statistical analysis with a group of matched patients who underwent staged bilateral total knee replacement during the same period. Methods: Theatre records at two regional district general hospitals were scrutinised to identify all patients who had undergone simultaneous sequential and staged bilateral total knee arthroplasty over a three year period. Patient case notes and hospital charts were retrospectively reviewed to obtain several outcome measures to allow subsequent risk factor assessment. Results: 134 patients with 268 primary knee arthroplasties undergoing a simultaneous procedure were identified. The average age was 70 with a minimum follow up of 12 months. The study results revealed 1.5% mortality, 5.2% local complication and 14.9% systemic complication rates and this increased with age. During the same period 34 patients (68 knees) who had undergone staged procedures at least 3 months apart were also identified. Statistically significant findings between both groups included the reduced length of hospital stay, a 3-fold increase in the requirement for banked blood (particularly when either suction drainage or low molecular weight heparin thromboprophylaxis was used) and a higher degree of intra operative instability in those undergoing simultaneous bilateral total knee replacement. Conclusions: Patients can continue to enjoy the benefits of simultaneous bilateral knee arthroplasty, however, extreme caution must be taken in selection of patients over 75 years, high dependency facilities must be available and an acceptable alternative to banked blood transfusion needs to be used

Introduction. With the rising utilization of total joint arthroplasty, the role of simultaneous-bilateral surgery has expanding impact. The purpose of this study is to examine the risk of perioperative complications for this approach in total knee arthroplasty to inform shared decision making. Methods. We used nation-wide linked discharge data from the Hospital Cost and Utilization Project from 2005–2014 comparing outcomes of simultaneous-bilateral and staged-bilateral total knee arthroplasties (TKAs). Hierarchical logistic regression analysis was used to compare mortality within 30 days, 90 days and 1 year, perioperative risks within 30–60 days, and infection and mechanical complications within 1 year. Results. 63,579 patients were analyzed including 27,301 simultaneous-bilateral and 36,278 staged-bilateral TKAs. Patients who underwent simultaneous surgery had a significantly higher adjusted odds ratio of death within 30 days (OR=3.31, 95% CI=2.15–5.08, p<0.001), myocardial infarction (OR=2.54, 95% CI=1.96–3.28, p<0.001), ischemic stroke (OR=2, 95% CI=1.39–2.87, p=0.002), cardiac complications (OR=1.3, 95% CI=1.12–1.5, p=0.007), digestive complications (OR=1.85, 95% CI=1.59–2.15, p<0.001), deep vein thrombosis (OR=1.31, 95% CI=1.18–1.45, p<0.001), and pulmonary embolism (OR=1.76, 95% CI=1.49–2.08, p<0.001) with a lower adjusted odds ratio of hematoma (OR=0.55, 95% CI=0.45–0.68, p<0.001), knee infection (OR=0.83, 95% CI=0.71–0.98, p=0.023), and major mechanical malfunction (OR=0.78, 95% CI=0.65–0.94, p=0.009). There was no difference in the adjusted OR for minor mechanical malfunction. The absolute risk difference for any complication between groups was 1% or less. Conclusion. Despite higher odds of experiencing many complications for patients undergoing simultaneous-bilateral versus staged total knee arthroplasty, the absolute difference in perioperative risks between these groups is small. This study of a large population informs surgeons and patients regarding the safety of simultaneous surgery. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. Keywords: knee arthroplasty; simultaneous; bilateral; staged; joint replacement

Introduction: Morbidity and mortality are major concerns after simultaneous bilateral TKA. This paper reviews the results of patients who had simultaneous bilateral TKA (558 patients) and compares it to the results of single TKA (485 patients) carried out by the same surgeon in the same institution using same intra operative and post operative protocols. Material and methods: 558 patients underwent simultaneous bilateral TKA while 485 underwent single TKA carried out by the same surgeon. The pre-op medical evaluation was carried out by a special multidisciplinary medical team. The decision to proceed with simultaneous TKA was made based on the clinical findings pre operatively. There were no additional special cares for the simultaneous group (central or arterial line) during surgery. Post op protocols were the same for both groups. Results: Blood transfusion was higher in the simultaneous knee surgeries (71%) as compared to (34 %) in a single knee group. We had 8 unscheduled ICU admission in the simultaneous group compared to 2 in the individual. Surprisingly DVT was less common in the simultaneous group. We had one death in the simultaneous group. The average knee score and average range of motion were the same in both groups. Discussion and conclusion: Simultaneous bilateral TKA is safe. It is more economical and convenient, especially for patients who travel for the surgery. A special multidisciplinary task force is recommended to make the simultaneous knee surgery safe