To study the result of one staged bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) operation under epidural anesthesia on patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
From April 1987 to December 1992, simultaneous bilateral TKA was performed on 45 patients (90 knees), including 41 patients with RA, 3 with juvenile RA, and 1 with Sjogren syndrome. The mean follow-up period was 63 months.
Improved function and pain relief were noted in all patients. There were no wound healing problems. Thrombophlebitis was observed in few cases. Late infection rate was 5.6% (5 knees) and aseptic loosening was revised on 5 knees.
Simultaneous bilateral TKA is not only a procedure of low cost, saving blood, reducing anesthesia risk, drugs' side effect and hospitalization, but also facilitates early rehabilitation. Except for late infection, there is no increase in complications.