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.
• Low impact activities only till 3 months.
• No twisting, pivoting till 3 months.
• Wean into a home/gym program.