More and more studies are showing the benefits of having both hips or both knees replaced at the same time. The overall costs are less with only one anesthesia and one hospital stay.

Patients have equal pain during recovery so there's less chance of using one joint more than the other. The surgeon has a better chance of correcting severe deformities that occur when muscles are tight or out of balance.

On the down side, any surgery has certain risks. There's the risk of infection, blood clots, heart attack, and stroke. Any of these problems can lead to death.