Bilateral Knee Replacement or Double Knee Replacement – Pros, Cons, and Recovery TimelineBy Dr. Kashyap Solanki

What Is Bilateral Knee Replacement or Double Knee Replacement?

Bilateral knee replacement (simultaneous double knee replacement) is a surgical procedure to replace both damaged knee joints with artificial implants in a single operation. It provides pain relief and improved mobility for people with disabling knee conditions affecting both sides.

Pros of Bilateral Knee Replacement or Double Knee Replacement

• Single hospital admission and surgery: Both knees are treated in one session, reducing overall hospital and anesthesia exposure.

• One recovery phase: Patients undergo only one rehabilitation period, minimizing time away from work and daily activities.

• Cost-effective: Medical costs are generally lower than two separate surgeries, resulting in 18–26% savings.

• Symmetric rehabilitation: Physical therapy addresses both knees at once, restoring balanced mobility more efficiently.

• Faster return to normal activities: Patients regain overall activity levels sooner compared to staged surgeries.

  
  

Cons of Bilateral Knee Replacement or Double Knee Replacement

• Higher risk of complications: Increased risk of cardiovascular issues, blood clots, greater blood loss, and need for transfusions compared to single knee procedures.

• Initial pain and rehabilitation challenges: The early recovery stage is typically more demanding since both knees are healing and there’s no “good leg” for support.

• Intensive rehabilitation: Physical therapy can be more strenuous, requiring greater effort and emotional resilience.

• Inpatient rehabilitation often needed: Most patients require facility-based rehabilitation before returning home.

  
  

Recovery Timeline

Phase	Expected Milestones
Week 1–2	Begin walking with a walker/crutches, start standing and gentle movement
Weeks 3–6	Progress to longer walks, begin climbing stairs, transition to walking stick if needed
6–12 Weeks	Most patients resume normal chores, drive, and manage stairs with slight support
3–6 Months	Advanced mobility exercises, less pain and swelling, return to most routine activities
6–12 Months	Full recovery for low-impact activities like walking, cycling, swimming

• Most patients see significant improvement in pain and mobility by 12 weeks.

• Complete functional recovery may take up to one year, with ongoing muscle strengthening and joint flexibility.

  
  

Is Bilateral Knee Replacement Right for You?

This procedure offers substantial benefits for motivated, healthy candidates suffering from severe bilateral knee conditions. Decisions should be made in consultation with an experienced orthopedic surgeon, considering overall health and lifestyle goals.

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About Dr. Kashyap Prabhu Solanki & Dr. Prabhu Solanki

Orthopaedic Surgeon – Andheri, Mumbai

Dr. Kashyap Solanki specializes in hip and knee replacement, robotic-assisted knee surgery, and joint preservation procedures like HTO, arthroscopy, and ligament reconstruction. He is also known for performing complex revision joint replacements and managing challenging upper and lower limb fractures. With a focus on precision and patient-centered care, Dr. Solanki helps restore mobility and improve quality of life through advanced orthopaedic solutions.

With over four decades of distinguished orthopaedic practice, Dr. Prabhu Solanki stands as one of Mumbai’s most experienced and respected orthopaedic surgeons. Having treated more than 40,000 patients and performed over 10,000 surgeries, his clinical outcomes and dedication have earned him widespread recognition — not just in Mumbai, but across India and abroad.

Dr. Solanki’s reputation for precision, ethical care, and long-term results has brought him patients from all over India, as well as international patients seeking high-quality orthopaedic treatment and surgical expertise in Mumbai.

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