Question: I need knee replacement in both knees. Do you think it would be better to have one knee done at a time or both at once?

Dr. Hibberd’s answer:

I would definitely have one knee done at a time. Operating on both knees at the same time is too risky, both from a complication and comfort standpoint.

This surgery does increase your risk for post-operative blood clots, and it is going to be very important to maintain your mobility after each operation. Also, prolonged operating time increases your anesthetic risks exponentially.

If you are unlucky enough to have an infection complication, it will be easier to recover from a less complicated procedure, as well. Better to have two shorter procedures than one long procedure with increased risks despite the inconvenience and disruption to your schedule