Partial knee replacement is when surgeons replace half of the knee joint with an artificial device. A small percentage of patients with osteoarthritis, in which the joint degrades, are eligible for this procedure. It is designed to prevent the bones from rubbing against each other, and the advantages over a full knee replacement include a quicker recovery and less blood loss. Once the healing process takes hold, physical therapy is often required to regain range of motion and strength in the knee.
Start of Physical Therapy
Although most patients are allowed to go home within the first three days following a partial knee replacement, many will likely need a walker, cane or crutches to assist with movement around the house. At this point, the objective is to simply reduce pain, tenderness and swelling in the knee. As mobility returns in the following days and weeks, you will start a physical therapy regimen. The typical patient, once discharged from the hospital, will see the therapist between one and six times during the in-home treatments. The therapist will review your progress and make recommendations for exercises. Outpatient physical therapy may begin when you can safely leave the house.
Stretching and Strength Exercises
During the first step of rehabilitation, your therapist will use hands-on stretches --- for example, flexes and rotations of the leg --- to improve the range of motion in your knee. After your muscles are able to bear greater pressure, you will begin strength-training exercises designed to target the key muscle groups in the buttocks, hip, thigh and calf muscles. Exercises may include lunges, heel drops, squats and hamstring curls. Your therapist may also recommend balance exercises to improve stabilization and control.
Aerobic Exercises
After a few weeks of rehabilitation, the therapist will likely add low-impact aerobic exercises. Cycling and swimming, for example, are gentle on the knee joint and can help improve endurance, and prevent fatigue and weakness. Because of the buoyancy of water, therapists often treat patients -- especially those with osteoarthritis -- in a pool. The therapist will generally discourage any activity that involves heavy running and jumping until your knee joint can handle the stress.
Completion
Once you regain the strength and range of motion necessary to return to normal activities, your therapist will become less engaged in your rehabilitation process, and you will continue an ongoing home program. Compared to other surgeries, the rehabilitation period for a partial knee replacement is relatively quick. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, you will most likely resume your regular activities about six weeks after surgery.
