The bilateral simultaneous knee replacement
15 February 2019
Mr Henry Bourke and Mr Rakesh Kucheria, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons here at Spire Thames Valley Hospital, offer a procedure known as the bilateral simultaneous knee replacement, where they perform surgery on both knees at the same time - one on each knee.
Mr Bourke explains: “Double knee replacements are typically done on different days and months apart, where the patient goes through major surgery and recovery twice. Or they can be done one after the other in a long operation. By operating at the same time, for around 60 to 90 minutes, Mr Kucheria and I can replace both knees in one go, which means the patient takes less time to recover.”
He adds: “We are a left-hand and right-hand combination of surgeons which means we don’t get in each other’s way.”
The most common reason for a bilateral total knee replacement is severe arthritis, often causing pain and stiffness in both knees and interfering with daily living activities.
Bernie Irwin, aged 66, was one of the first patients to have this procedure at Spire Thames Valley Hospital. Bernie says, “I was in constant pain. My passion is golf and I was no longer able to play very often. Having both knees done at the same time was scary but worthwhile, as the recovery time is the same as having one knee replaced. I am now back to normal activities, pain free and, after three months, I am back playing nine holes of golf!”
The recovery period for a bilateral knee replacement is between six to twelve weeks. Most patients are mobile by six weeks, walking independently or just with a single stick. A return to gentle sporting activities such as golf is usually possible by three months.
Mr Bourke concludes, “Mr Kucheria and I are delighted that Bernie has managed to make such a great recovery in a relatively short period of time and that he could get back to playing golf so quickly."
If you would like to book an appointment to discuss your knee concerns, learn more about any procedures or have any questions, please call us on 01753 665 404 or email us.