Bilateral simultaneous total knee arthroplasty.

One hundred thirty-two patients (264 knees) who had simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty and 77 patients who had unilateral procedures were reviewed for statistical comparison of the two procedures with respect to pain, tibial and femoral radiolucency, and all other complications as well as average hospital stay and hospital costs. Both groups had posterior cruciate condylar total knee prostheses. There were no significant differences except for tibial radiolucency, which was significantly higher in the unilateral group. Bilateral total knee arthroplasty as a single procedure does not increase the risk of postoperative or follow-up complications and decreases the probability of complications such as phlebitis and pulmonary emboli, because only one operation is necessary. The average hospital cost and length of stay were lower in the simultaneous group (decreased by 20% and 46%, respectively), compared with twice that of the unilateral group.