Features of Arthroplasty in Bilateral Knee Osteoarthritis

Introduction. Hip and knee arthroplasty are the two of the most frequently used methods of surgical treatment. The techniques of drug support in the perioperative period, as well as the rehabilitation component, are of primary importance. However, due to the increase in number of operations the number of complications is also growing. At the same time, surgical approaches to the treatment of bilateral knee OA are still not sufficiently studied. The literature describes intervals between arthroplasty operations on knee joints from 3 months to 5 years. The epidemiological and pathogenetic aspects of functional recovery in bilateral knee OA patients are also in need of further research. Materials and methods . Authors analysed outcomes in 124 patients with gonarthrosis treated with arthroplasty. 32 patients underwent arthroplasty of the contralateral joint. The outcomes were evaluated with the KSS score and X-ray imaging at 1, 3 and 6 months postop. Results and discussions. In the first month after the operation functional recovery was noted due to the relief of pain, recovery of the muscle tone and regional hemodynamics in the area of the knee joint. It was also noted that the recovery of function in the period from month 1 to month 3 in patients with bilateral gonarthrosis occurs less intensively due to decompensation of the contralateral joint. Conclusion. The study demonstrates the recovery of function in patients in the postoperative period. There is, however, the issue of functional decompensation in the opposite limb, which in turn reduces the effectiveness of motor rehabilitation and leads to the need for endoprosthetic replacement of the second joint.