Total Knee Arthroplasty

Keys to a Successful Outcome

  • Do not overload the surgical leg with excessive walking or weight-bearing soon after surgery. Slowly increase weight-bearing and walking distance, as tolerated.

  • Wear the brace at all times for the first 6 weeks.

  • 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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