After the procedure is performed there are various components of rehabilitation that your orthopaedic surgeon may recommend while you are in the hospital. Your leg may be elevated while ice is applied to alleviate pain and swelling. A continuous passive motion machine may be applied to the knee to help promote a rapid return of your knee’s range of motion. You may begin walking with crutches or with a walker the same day of your surgery. And your physical therapist will teach you simple exercises to help strengthen the muscles of the knee.

You will be discharged when you are able to get out of bed on your own, walk with a walker or crutches, walk up and down steps, bend your knee 90° and straighten your knee. You will then continue with a home exercise program and go to outpatient physical therapy, where you will work on an advanced strengthening program that may include stationary cycling, walking and aquatic therapy.

Your long-term goals are a full range of knee flexion, mild or no pain with walking or other functional activities and independence in all activities of daily living. Patients with partial knee replacements can return to sports such as doubles tennis, golf, gardening and cycling; however, activities involving repetitive joint trauma such as running, jumping or twisting should be avoided.