Bilateral Total Knee Replacement: A Case Report

Management of bed-ridden patients with polyarticular rheumatoid arthritis poses a considerable challenge to the orthopaedic surgeon. Current techniques of total joint replacement provide for the potential restoration of joint function in patients previously considered inoperable due to far-advanced joint destruction. Because many patients with far advanced polyarticular rheumatoid arthritis will predictably require more than one total joint replacement before an improved functional status will occur, the question of multiple joint replacement arises. We have had a bilateral total kneereplacement in the chronic polyarticular rheumatoid patient. Three years after the operation, the patient has slight pain and motion of full extension to 90'flexion. Bilateral total knee replacement improved mobility and reduced pain in this patient.