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Total Knee Arthroplasty
Keys to a Successful Outcome
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Do not overload the surgical leg with excessive walking or weight-bearing soon after surgery. Slowly increase weight-bearing and walking distance, as tolerated.
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Wear the brace at all times for the first 6 weeks.
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Monitor for any signs of infections such as: redness, itchiness or warmth.
Phase | Brace (if any) | ROM | WB | Exercises |
|---|---|---|---|---|
In Hospital | Worn at all times | PROM/AROM | WBAT | Begin ambulating and walking up/down stairs with assistance; work on ROM; Straight leg raise exercise; ROM goals: Knee Flex >80°, Knee Ext <-10°. |
Weeks 1-4 | Worn at all times | PROM/AROM | WBAT | Stationary bike; isometric quads, hams, and gluteal exercises; Single Leg Raises in 4 planes; ROM goals: Knee Flex >90°. |
Weeks 4-6 | Worn at all times | AROM | WBAT | Continue above exs; Front/lateral step up/down, 1/4 lunges, Goals: Knee Flex >110°, good voluntary quad control* |
Weeks 7-12 | None | AROM | WBAT | Progress above exs; begin open/closed chain exs; begin endurance, balance and proprioception exs. Goals: AROM w/out pain, 4+/5 muscle strength. |
Weeks 12-16 | None | AROM | WBAT | Progress intensity/volume of previous exercise; increase duration of endurance activities; initiate RTP protocol. |
*Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for quads if poor quad contraction is present.
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