[Simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis].

Aim: In the event of destruction of both knee joints, is bilateral total arthroplasty a reliable operation that the patient can reasonably be expected to undergo?

Method: In 140 patients [35 men, 105 women, average age 48.6 (range 24-78) years], a bilateral sequential TEP implantation was performed under one anaesthesia session, due to verified destruction of both knee joints (Larsen stage III-IV). All patients were treated with a cemented surface replacement prosthesis with resurfacing of the patella (Duracon Total Knee System, Stryker/Howmedica). Functional assessment was done with the aid of the Lysholm score preoperatively as well as 6, 12 and 18 months postoperatively.

Results: The operation was conducted under one anaesthesia session in all patients. The average Lysholm scores improved from 26 (19-45) preoperatively, to 72 (49-81) 6 months postoperatively, 76 (48-85) 12 months postoperatively and 77 (49-87) 18 months postoperatively, whereby no significant difference between sides was observed. 96% of the patients said that they would undergo the operation again. The following complications occurred: 6 prosthesis infections (2.1%), 2 aseptic loosenings (0.7%), 8 superficial wound healing disorders (2.9%) and 2 deep vein thromboses (0.7%).

Conclusion: Sequential bilateral total knee arthroplasty under one anaesthesia session in patients with rheumatoid arthritis facilitates a much quicker rehabilitation, while the overall perioperative risk is not increased.