UNICOMPARTMENTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT PROTOCOL
PHASE 1: INITIAL PHASE
Post-Op Day 1 thru the first 3 weeks
- WBAT
- Ankle pumps
- Heel slides
- Quad Sets – may be done with Russian for Quadriceps activation
- Glut sets
- Short arc Quads
- 4 way Straight leg raise
- Large arc Quads
- Clamshells
- Calf Stretch
- Hamstring stretch
- Knee extension stretch
- Calf raises- focus on equal weight bearing
- Marching
- Hamstring curls
- Bike (for ROM if tolerated)
- Mini squats
- Step Ups
- Manual therapy – patella mobilization, PA/AP tibial mobilizations (grade I/II)
- Modalities – ultrasound, interferential current
**Range of motion should be approximately 5° – 110° by the end of this phase
PHASE 2: INTERMEDIATE PHASE
Weeks 4-6
Continue with previous or modified versions of previous exercises, but may add:
- AROM 0°-120°
- Add weight to straight leg raises up to 2#
- TKE with theraband
- Step Ups
- Step Downs
- Single leg stance
- Wall sits
- Manual Therapy – tibial mobilizations (grade I-III), fibular AP/PA mobilisations
PHASE 3: ADVANCED PHASE
Week 7 – 3 months
Continue with previous or modified versions of previous exercises, but may add:
- Increase weight with leg raises up to 5#
- Walking program – begin at 1⁄4 mile and gradually increase
- Upper body machines
- For cardiovascular fitness – elliptical, walking outside or on a track, aquatic exercise, cycle. NO treadmill walking due to compression on the new joint.
- Golf – may begin chipping or putting at 6 weeks, driving at 3 months, and then slowly progress into a full game
PHASE 4: FINAL PHASE
3 months +
Continue with previous or modified versions of previous exercises, but may add:
- Begin using leg weight machines
- Recommended activities – elliptical, cycle, walking, aquatic exercise, low impact aerobics, yoga, tai chi, Theraball exercises
- NOT recommended – running/jogging, high impact aerobics, jumping rope or plyometrics