What is Bilateral Knee Replacement Surgery?
What is Bilateral Knee Replacement Surgery? Bilateral knee replacement surgery replaces both knees on the same day. It’s a choice for people with pain in both knees. This can make life easier and better. The surgery helps you walk and move around without the pain that was there before.
The process of getting new knees might seem hard but it gives many benefits. You can get back to doing things you love with less pain after the operation. Many find this surgery helps them live their daily life more fully.
People often ask if this kind of operation is right for them. To know if it suits your needs talk to a doctor or an insurance company for advice. They will look at your health and tell you what’s best for you.
Benefits of Bilateral Knee Replacement Surgery
Getting a bilateral knee replacement surgery means both knees are fixed at once. This is good for people with pain in both knees. You have one surgery day and one healing time. It can be less stress than having two separate surgeries.
This procedure brings back a better range of motion in your legs. After the operation your new knees should bend and work better. This helps you do simple things like sitting, standing, walking without help.
The benefits of this kind of knee replacement can last many years. Most people find they get around easier for a long time after the surgery. With care these new knees can work well for up to 15 or 20 years.
One big plus is that you won’t feel as much pain after you heal from the procedure. Many folks say their quality of life gets much better because everyday tasks aren’t painful anymore. They move more and enjoy life again with their new knees.
Recovery Process
After bilateral knee replacement surgery the first few days are spent in the hospital. Doctors and nurses help manage your pain and start your recovery process. You may feel discomfort but medicine can make you feel better. A physical therapist will work with you to begin gentle movements.
Physical therapy is key to a good recovery. It starts soon after surgery and continues for weeks or months. The goal is simple: get you back on your feet safely and quickly. Each day exercises get a little harder as your knees grow stronger.
It’s important to follow the doctor’s orders during this time. They know how best to get your knees working well again after surgery. They’ll tell you what activities are safe and which ones to avoid at first.
Recovery from knee replacement takes time, patience, and effort. Most people see big improvements within 3-6 months of their procedure. By sticking with rehab plans most return to normal daily tasks with less pain than before their new knees were put in place.
Risks and Complications
Like any surgery bilateral knee replacement comes with risks. Infection is a risk that doctors take very seriously. Blood clots are also possible so they might give you medicine to lower this risk. Other complications can include bleeding or damage to nearby parts.
The new knees could cause trouble if they don’t fit just right or work as expected. This could make it hard to walk or bend your legs without pain. If this happens sometimes another surgery is needed to fix the problem.
Your doctors will talk to you about these risks before the procedure. They want you to know what could happen even though serious problems aren’t common. Most people get through surgery without big issues and go on to heal well after their new knees are in place.
Post-Surgery Care
After bilateral knee replacement surgery caring for your knees is vital. Right after the procedure you’ll have bandages and maybe drains to catch fluid. Nurses will show you how to care for your wound once you’re home. It’s important to keep the area clean to prevent infection.
You’ll likely use a walker or crutches at first. This helps take weight off your new knees as they heal. Your doctor will tell you when it’s safe to put more weight on your legs and stand without help.
Pain management is an essential part of post-surgery care. You’ll get pain medicine from the hospital and prescriptions for home use too. Use them as instructed; don’t wait until pain is bad because that makes it harder to control.
Rehabilitation exercises are something you must do every day at home after surgery. These moves help make your knees strong and flexible again. A physical therapist can guide you through these exercises safely.
Finally, follow up with your surgeon as told, usually a few weeks after surgery then again later on. They check how well your knees are doing and if anything else needs attention during recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
Most people need 3-6 months for a full recovery. But each person heals at their own pace.
Yes with help like a walker or crutches at first. Your doctor will advise when you can walk alone.
Avoid high-impact activities like running or jumping that could hurt your new knees. How long does it take to recover from bilateral knee replacement surgery?
Can I walk after bilateral knee replacement surgery?
What activities should I avoid after the surgery?
