Simultaneous bilateral total knee replacement

This paper summarises our experience of twenty one patients with degenerative arthritis treated by bilateral simultaneous total knee replacement (BSTKR) in Tawakal Hospital in a period of twenty two months vis. January 1994 to November 1995. The results were analysed according to the scoring system of Hospital for Special Surgery. The preliminary observations were encouraging, 90% excellent, 8% good and 2% fair results. The benefits, safety and cost effectiveness of the procedure as compared to the unilateral staged knee replacement are discussed. We recommend that BSTKR be routinely practised for appropriate situations in all institutions where the expertise and facilities are available.