How Long Does Bilateral Knee Replacement Surgery Take
How Long Does Bilateral Knee Replacement Surgery Take When you need both of your knees replaced doctors call this bilateral knee replacement surgery. It is a common way to help people feel better and move easier when they have bad knee pain. The time it takes to do this job can be different for each person.
Doctors are very good at doing this work on knees. They use special tools and ways that they have learned over many years. This helps make sure the surgery goes well and does not take too much time.
After having their knees worked on most people stay in the hospital for a short while. Here nurses and other helpers show them how to get back on their feet again. It’s important so you can go back home feeling strong and ready to move around more easily.
What is Bilateral Knee Replacement Surgery
Bilateral knee replacement surgery means both knees get new parts in the same surgery. It’s like fixing two things at once so they work better and hurt less. This kind of help is for people whose knees are very sore or damaged.
In this procedure doctors take out the bad parts of your knee bones. They put in new parts that can be made from metal or plastic. These pieces let your knee move smooth and with less pain.
The time it takes to do this job, the duration, often depends on how each surgery goes. Some surgeries are quick while others may take longer because every person is different. But doctors know how to plan well for each person.
During bilateral knee replacement you will sleep so you don’t feel anything happening to your knees. When you wake up after the surgery you will have a chance at moving around easier than before once you heal up real good.
Factors Affecting the Duration
The time it takes to do bilateral knee replacement surgery can change for many reasons. How healthy you are before the operation plays a big part in this. Strong fit people might get through surgery faster than those with other health problems.
Another thing that matters is how well your blood flows and if your heart works right. Good flow helps healing start fast after doctors finish their work. If there are issues they could need more time to make sure everything’s okay.
How old you are is also important when thinking about duration. Younger bodies often heal up quicker than older ones but age alone isn’t always what decides this. It’s really about how strong and flexible your body is all over.
Lastly each doctor has their own speed and careful ways of doing things during surgery. Some take longer because they go very slow to make sure nothing goes wrong. Others have done so many surgeries that they can work a bit faster while still being safe.
Average Duration of Surgery
Most people want to know how long they’ll be in surgery for bilateral knee replacement. On average this procedure takes one to two hours from start to finish. The exact time can vary but doctors will give you an idea before your surgery day.
Your time in the operating room includes getting ready and waking up after. It’s not just the part where doctors work on your knees. They make sure everything is set so that the main job goes well.
Remember each person’s surgery might take more or less time than another’s. But knowing the average helps you plan for the big day. After all it’s about making both your knees better so you can enjoy life with less pain.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
After bilateral knee replacement surgery recovery is your next big step. Your body needs time to heal from the changes inside your knees. The care team will watch over you as you start to wake up from the operation.
The first few days are key for a good start to getting better. You’ll learn how to move without hurting your new knees too much. Nurses or therapists will help you get out of bed and take small steps at first.
Rehabilitation comes after those early days when you’re feeling stronger. It’s a plan that helps teach your legs how to work with their new parts. You’ll do exercises made just for someone who’s had their knees replaced like this.
Eating right and resting enough are also part of healing up well. Good food gives your body what it needs to fix itself faster. Sleep lets it work on healing even more since that’s when our bodies do most of their repair work.
It can be hard sometimes but keep going with what doctors and therapists tell you during rehab. They know the best ways to make sure both of your new knees end up letting you walk easier than before surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How safe is bilateral knee replacement surgery?
Bilateral knee replacement is common and considered safe. Doctors have done many of these surgeries and they know how to handle them well.
Will I need help at home after the surgery?
Yes you'll likely need some help when you go back home. It's good to have someone around as you get used to moving with your new knees.
Can I walk normally after recovery?
Most people can walk much better once they heal up from this kind of surgery. Your doctors and therapists will work hard to help you get there.
These answers are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice.
