Bilateral Sequential Total Knee Replacement Versus Unilateral Total Knee Replacement in a High Volume Hospital

Abstract

Background/purpose Bilateral simultaneous or sequential total knee replacement (TKR) is performed on a portion of patients but the benefits and risks remain controversial. Methods A total of 89 sequential bilateral TKR (BTKR) patients were compared with 89 unilateral TKR (UTKR) patients in our total joint replacement centre from October 2011 to October 2014. The baseline parameters were matched and postoperative results were compared. Results The BTKR group had a shorter length of stay per knee (4.8 days vs. 6.5 days) but with a higher total drain output, higher haemoglobin drop, higher transfusion rate, and more postoperative acute retention of urine. Both groups had similar major complication rates and no 90 days mortality. Conclusion BTKR is a safe surgery in selected patients performed in a high volume hospital with fast-track programme.