In a total knee replacement, parts of a knee joint are removed and replaced. If you have arthritis in your knee that causes pain you may need to have a total knee replacement. If you have a lot of pain in both knees you may need to have a bilateral knee replacement.
Bilateral knee replacements may be done at the same time in both knees, or you may have one knee replaced and then have the second knee replaced. Your surgeon will talk with you about which option is right for you.