I am a 69-year-old man who has the wear-and-tear type of arthritis in both my knees. The pain and swelling is equal in both. It has been recommended that I have knee-replacement surgery. Would you suggest that I have both knees operated on together or two separate surgeries?

Wear-and-tear type of arthritis that you describe is known as osteoarthritis. The joint cartilage degenerates resulting in pain, swelling and stiffness. When the degeneration progresses to the point that conservative treatment no longer is effective, then knee replacement surgery is often recommended. Performing both knee replacements under one anesthetic session has gained considerable acceptance. Studies show that when both knee replacements are performed at the same surgery, the complication rate is not increased compared to single knee-replacement surgery. Other benefits of bilateral knee replacement surgery include a single surgical session, a single rehabilitation period, and less overall cost. Additionally, many patients describe a psychological benefit of knowing that both surgeries have been completed.