Replacing Two Joints at Once

Dianne Wright and Roger McCollum don’t know each other, but they share something in common: they have each had simultaneous bilateral total joint replacement at Palomar Health. While such procedures are still relatively uncommon, some patients do prefer to have both joints replaced at the same time to minimize exposure to anesthesia and not face the prospect of a second rehabilitation period.

Dianne and Roger’s joints had deteriorated due to osteoarthritis, which is caused by the wear and tear of aging. When the cushioning cartilage wears out, it results in pain and stiffness.

“Most patients who ask about having both joints replaced at once understand that rehabilitation is going to be more challenging because they don’t have the opposite joint to put weight on,” says Brad Cohen, M.D., a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon. “Roger is a great example of a patient who was really committed to a full recovery and has followed the prescribed rehabilitation program successfully.”