Bilateral knee replacement
Bilateral knee replacement in Pune
If both knees have advanced arthritis, both can be replaced either during one operation or in two separate operations. The choice depends on how badly each knee is affected, your overall health and how you are likely to manage the recovery.
Dr. Aniket Patil · Knee replacement surgeon · Kharadi, Pune
- 20+ years
- Clinical & surgical experience
- 3,000+
- Joint replacement surgeries
- Germany
- Joint replacement fellowship training
Medically reviewed by Dr. Aniket Patil, MS Orthopaedics
Overview
What is bilateral knee replacement?
Bilateral total knee replacement means replacing both knees when advanced arthritis is causing major symptoms on both sides.
The two replacements can be performed during the same anaesthetic, called same-day or simultaneous bilateral knee replacement, or as two separate operations, called staged replacement.
The operation performed on each knee is a total knee replacement. The main decision is whether both knees should be replaced together or in two separate operations.
Learn about total knee replacementBoth knees together or in two stages?
Both options replace the same two knees. What changes is how the surgery and recovery are spread out.
One operation
Same-day bilateral knee replacement
Both knees are replaced during one anaesthetic and one hospital admission, followed by one main rehabilitation period. The trade-off is that both legs are recovering at the same time and the operation places a greater immediate demand on the body.
Two operations
Staged bilateral knee replacement
One knee is replaced first and the second is treated later. This means two operations, two admissions and two recovery periods, but the surgical stress is spread across separate procedures.
Dr. Aniket Patil weighs the condition of both knees against your medical fitness, anaesthetic assessment and rehabilitation needs before recommending same-day or staged surgery.
Who may be suitable for same-day bilateral knee replacement?
Same-day replacement is considered when both knees clearly need surgery and you are medically fit enough for a larger operation.
Both knees need replacement
Symptoms, examination and X-rays should show advanced arthritis in both knees, not only one severely affected knee.
General health is suitable
Heart and lung health, diabetes, blood count and other medical conditions are reviewed before one larger operation is considered.
You can manage the early rehabilitation
You need enough strength, balance and confidence to start walking while both knees are recovering.
Support is available at home
The first weeks can require more help with walking, bathing, dressing and daily tasks than recovery from one knee replacement.
Dr. Aniket Patil and the anaesthesia team use these factors to judge whether same-day surgery is reasonable or whether staged replacement is the safer plan.
What happens during bilateral knee replacement?
In same-day surgery, each knee undergoes a total knee replacement during the same anaesthetic.
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Anaesthesia and preparation
The anaesthesia team prepares and monitors you throughout the operation.
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Replace the first knee
Dr. Aniket Patil removes the damaged joint surfaces, positions the implants and checks alignment, movement and stability.
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Replace the second knee
The second knee is then replaced and checked independently in the same way.
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Begin early movement
Physiotherapy and walking begin as soon as you are medically ready.
With staged surgery, each knee has its own operation, hospital admission and recovery period.
How do I prepare for bilateral knee replacement?
Preparation is especially important when both knees are being treated because the operation and early rehabilitation can place greater demands on the body.
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Medical assessment
Your general health, blood count, heart and lung status and other medical conditions are reviewed before surgery.
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Medicines
Give the surgical team a complete list of medicines, blood thinners, diabetes medicines and supplements. You will be told what to continue and what to stop.
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Home and support
Arrange transport, walking aids and enough help for the first weeks at home. Same-day surgery usually requires more support because both legs are recovering.
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Admission
Follow the hospital’s fasting and admission instructions and bring your medical reports, imaging, medicine list and insurance documents if applicable.
What is recovery like after bilateral knee replacement?
Recovery differs most in the early weeks. After same-day surgery, both knees are healing together. After staged surgery, you complete a separate recovery after each operation.
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In hospital
Pain control, medical monitoring and physiotherapy begin soon after surgery.
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Walking
After same-day replacement, most patients initially need a walking frame or other support while both knees regain strength and control.
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The first few weeks
Swelling gradually settles, knee movement improves and walking distance increases with regular exercises.
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Longer recovery
Strength and confidence continue to improve over the following months. Staged surgery repeats this recovery process after the second knee is treated.
What are the risks of bilateral knee replacement?
Each knee carries the recognised risks of total knee replacement. Same-day bilateral surgery also places the stress of two replacements on the body at once.
Blood loss and transfusion
Blood loss is generally greater when both knees are replaced during one operation, and transfusion may be more likely.
Medical complications
Studies report higher short-term rates of some medical complications after simultaneous bilateral surgery, which is why patient selection matters.
Blood clots
Knee replacement increases the risk of blood clots. Early walking and preventive treatment help reduce the risk.
Infection
Infection can affect either knee and may require further treatment or surgery.
Pain or stiffness
Either knee can remain painful or stiff after recovery.
Dr. Aniket Patil and the anaesthesia team weigh these risks against the advantages of completing both knees during one admission.
How much does bilateral knee replacement cost in Pune?
The cost depends partly on whether both knees are replaced during one admission or as two separate operations.
It also depends on the two implants, hospital, room category and any additional medical care you need.
Knee replacement surgery cost in PuneWill health insurance cover bilateral knee replacement?
Yes. Many health insurance policies cover medically necessary joint replacement surgery, subject to the terms of the policy.
Cashless treatment depends on the hospital network, insurer approval and pre-authorisation. Waiting periods, co-pay, room limits and implant limits can affect what is covered.
What affects your coverage
- Waiting period
- Hospital network
- Co-pay
- Room limits
- Implant limits
- Pre-authorisation
Common health insurance providers
- HDFC ERGO
- Niva Bupa
- Care Health Insurance
- Bajaj General Insurance
- Aditya Birla Health Insurance
- Tata AIG
- Digit
- Generali Central Insurance
- Cholamandalam MS
- ACKO
Insurance coverage and cashless eligibility depend on your policy, hospital network and insurer approval.
Both knees have been recommended for replacement?
Dr. Aniket Patil can review whether both knees need surgery now, whether one knee should be treated first and whether same-day or staged surgery is more suitable for your health and recovery.
Both knees, one operation or two?
Bring X-rays of both knees, your medical reports and details of the treatment you have already tried.
Get a knee replacement second opinion
Your surgeon
Dr. Aniket Patil
Knee & hip replacement surgeon · Pune
Dr. Aniket Patil focuses on knee and hip replacement and has more than 20 years of clinical and surgical experience. He completed joint replacement fellowship training under Prof. Dr. Klaus-Peter Günther at Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital in Dresden, Germany.
When arthritis affects both knees, Dr. Aniket Patil assesses each knee separately before considering the bigger question of timing. The final recommendation also takes medical fitness, anaesthetic risk and rehabilitation into account.
Bilateral knee replacement FAQs
Yes. Some medically fit patients with severe arthritis in both knees can have both knees replaced during one operation. Both knees need to justify replacement and your general health must be suitable for a larger operation.
Not for everyone. Same-day surgery avoids a second anaesthetic and admission, but it places more immediate stress on the body and has higher short-term rates of some complications in population studies.
The decision usually considers which knee is more painful, damaged or deformed, which one limits walking most and how the order will affect rehabilitation. Dr. Aniket Patil reviews both knees before deciding.
There is no single interval for everyone. The second operation is planned after the first knee has recovered enough and your health is ready for another procedure.
The early recovery is usually more demanding because both legs are healing at the same time. Physiotherapy, pain control and help at home are particularly important.
The cost depends on whether surgery is same-day or staged, the implants, hospital, room category and medical needs.
Many policies cover medically necessary replacement of both knees, subject to policy terms, limits and pre-authorisation.
Yes. Dr. Aniket Patil can review both knees and your medical reports and explain which strategy he would recommend.
Medical references
- 01American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons / OrthoInfo: Total Knee Replacement
- 02NHS: Recovering from a knee replacement
- 03NHS: Complications of a knee replacement
- 04Chang et al., 2025: Optimal timing for bilateral total knee arthroplasty: comparing simultaneous and staged procedures at various intervals: a systematic review and network meta-analysis (EFORT Open Reviews)
- 05Wang et al., 2026: Comparing simultaneous and staged bilateral total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis (Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research)
Appointments
Plan the right treatment for both knees
If both knees are limiting you, Dr. Aniket Patil can assess whether they need replacement and whether they should be treated together or in stages.
- Clinic
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Om Hip & Knee Specialty ClinicUnit No. 202, Second Floor, Velstand
Opposite Reliance Mart, Rakshak Nagar
Kharadi, Pune 411014 Get directions - Hours
- Monday to Saturday
5:00 PM to 10:00 PMBy appointment