Question
I have conflicting opinions from orthopedic surgeons on whether two knee replacements should be done at once. I recently heard that Mayo will not do two at once. Is there a policy at John Hopkins? What’s the latest opinion of surgeons there?
Answer
Your are right that opinions will vary from one surgeon to another. The rationale for doing both knees at once is that the “bad”, non-operated on knee will prevent rehabilitation from the first surgery. Although some centers have been known to do both knees at once under one anesthesia, that involves a lot of equipment and sometimes 2 teams of surgeons and a big operating room. Some surgeons will do one knee and then do the other a few days later.
I think the answer will vary as well with the individual situation.
