Rehabilitation Guidelines following Partial or Unicompartmental Knee Replacement
The time-lines mentioned are approximate and actual progression depends on individual recovery.
Patients can weight bear as tolerated from day 1. Please use a walker or crutches till good pain control, quadriceps strength and walking mechanics are achieved.
Emphasis early on is on achieving full knee extension and good quadriceps control/strength.
For the first 2 weeks – Apply icepacks 3-5 times daily for 10 minutes each time.
First 2 weeks
Quadriceps and gluteal sets, proprioception and balance exercises (e.g. heel to toe walking).
Straight leg raises.
Active and passive Range of Movement exercises.
Gait training.
Upper body conditioning.
Please remember to apply Ice packs thrice daily for 10 min; take pain medication as advised and follow the advice of your therapist.
2 to 6 weeks
Continue with the Home exercise program.
Progress to walking outside.
Progress with Quadriceps, ROM and proprioception/balance exercises.
Start Core strengthening exercises.
Hydrotherapy /Pool work-outs once incisions have healed.
Aerobic exercises after 2 weeks as tolerated (e.g. Static exercise bike).
Can start functional or activity specific exercises including household chores.
6 to 12 weeks
Add lateral steps and step-ups.
Single leg stance (eccentric exercises initially).
Progress with all functional activities including gardening, gentle sporting activities.
