Partial Knee Replacement Rehab Protocol

This protocol outlines The Stone Clinic's rehabilitation framework after robotic-assisted partial knee replacement, also called unicompartmental knee replacement, using the Stryker MAKO Robotic-Arm Assisted Orthopaedic System. The recovery estimates on this page are specific to Kevin R. Stone, MD's robotic-assisted partial knee replacement program; recovery times may be longer with traditional forms of knee replacement.

Partial knee replacement recovery begins on day one at The Stone Clinic. Patients are weight-bearing as tolerated immediately after surgery, walk out of the surgery center about 1.5 hours after surgery, and begin physical therapy the next day.

The early goals are straightforward: control swelling, restore motion, rebuild strength, and return to walking, cycling, swimming, work, travel, and sport as the knee progresses. The protocol below shows how that recovery is organized from the first two weeks through activity-specific training.

Find out whether robotic partial knee replacement can help you keep moving, playing, and living like an athlete for life

Robotic partial knee replacement recovery timeline at a glance

Recovery after robotic-assisted partial knee replacement is progressive. The early phases focus on walking, motion, swelling control, and gait. Later phases build strength, endurance, activity-specific movement, and return-to-sport readiness.

• Weeks 1-2: Max protection phase
• Weeks 3-4: Moderate protection phase
• Weeks 5-8: Endurance phase
• Weeks 9-12: Strength phase
• Weeks 13-16: Activity-specific training phase

These timelines are approximate. Progression through rehab depends on the patient’s clinical presentation and meeting the goals and criteria for each phase.

Partial knee replacement recovery time: the first few weeks

Early knee replacement recovery focuses on walking, controlling swelling, restoring full extension, and reaching a comfortable 90-degree bend in the first two weeks. Patients are typically weight-bearing right away, using crutches as needed for comfort and support.

Important guidelines before starting unicompartmental knee replacement rehab

The following guidelines apply to The Stone Clinic’s unicompartmental knee replacement rehabilitation protocol.

• Patients are weight-bearing as tolerated with use of crutches as needed.
• Avoid direct palpation of the scar for 4 weeks.
• No high-impact activities, pivoting, or twisting for the first 3 months.
• No resisted knee extension machines, hamstring curl machines, wall squats, or wall sits.
• Patients are given a Fitness Test at 3 months. Once passed, full return to sports may be considered.
• All timelines and recommendations are subject to change, as each individual case is different.

Partial knee replacement recovery weeks 1-2: Max protection phase

The first two weeks focus on walking, swelling control, early motion, gait training, and beginning the return to normal movement.

Weight-bearing

• Weight-bearing as tolerated with crutches.
• Two crutches during week 1.
• One crutch during week 2.

Range of motion

• 0-90 degrees.

Manual therapy

• Patellofemoral mobilization.
• Soft tissue mobilization to lower limb musculature.
• Avoid direct palpation of surgical portals.

Recommended exercises

• Knee hangs.
• Quad sets.
• Gluteal sets.
• Terminal knee extension.
• Multi-directional straight leg raises.
• Well-leg cycling.
• Gait training.

Goals for progression

• Minimal pain.
• Minimal swelling.
• Wean from crutches.
• Normal gait.
• 0 degrees extension and 100-120 degrees of flexion compared to the other knee.
• Able to tolerate stationary bike.

Partial knee replacement rehab weeks 3-4: Moderate protection phase

This phase continues the transition toward full weight-bearing, improved range of motion, cycling, gait training, and controlled strengthening.

Weight-bearing

• Full weight-bearing as tolerated.

Range of motion

• 0-120 degrees.

Manual therapy

• Patellofemoral mobilization.
• Soft tissue mobilization to lower limb musculature.
• Avoid direct palpation of surgical portals.

Recommended exercises

• Knee range-of-motion exercises.
• Calf raises.
• Bodyweight mini squats.
• Step-ups.
• Stationary cycling program as range of motion allows.
• Gait training.

Partial knee replacement recovery weeks 5-8: Endurance phase

The endurance phase builds walking tolerance, functional strength, and controlled movement in multiple directions.

Weight-bearing

• Full weight-bearing.

Range of motion

• Unrestricted as symptoms allow.
• Begin active range of motion as tolerated.

Manual therapy

• Patellofemoral mobilization.
• Soft tissue mobilization to lower limb musculature.
• Initiate gentle scar mobilization if portals are closed.

Recommended exercises

• Progress to higher-volume, lower-load functional exercises, including double-leg and single-leg squats, step-ups, and step-downs.
• Progress multi-planar and lateral movements.
• Stationary cycling program.
• Treadmill walking program.

Goals for progression

• Passive range of motion 130+ degrees.
• Able to squat to 90 degrees without pain.
• Able to ascend and descend stairs pain-free.

Partial knee replacement rehab weeks 9-12: Strength phase

The strength phase increases load while continuing to build functional strength, motion, and stair tolerance.

Weight-bearing

• Full weight-bearing as tolerated.

Range of motion

• Unrestricted as symptoms allow.

Manual therapy

• Patellofemoral mobilization.
• Soft tissue mobilization to lower limb musculature.
• Continue gentle scar mobilization if portals are closed.

Recommended exercises

• Higher-load, lower-volume functional strength exercises.
• Progressive closed-chain resistance training for all lower extremity muscle groups.
• Elliptical training at 8-10 weeks.

Goals for progression

• Passive range of motion 130+ degrees.
• Able to squat to 90 degrees without pain.
• Able to ascend and descend stairs pain-free.
• Pass Stone Fitness Test I at approximately 12 weeks.

Partial knee replacement rehab weeks 13-16: Activity-specific training phase

This phase moves from general strength toward the activities and sports the patient wants to return to.

Weight-bearing

• Full weight-bearing as tolerated.
• Continue to increase tolerance to longer walking and hiking distances.

Range of motion

• Unrestricted as symptoms allow.

Manual therapy

• Continue soft tissue and scar mobilization as needed.
• Manual therapy may be used as a means of recovery.

Recommended exercises

• Exercise should be specific to the demands of the activities the individual participates in, with the focus on return to sports.
• Activity and sport-specific agility exercises.
• Consider return to group fitness classes.

Goals for progression

• Full range of motion.
• Independent in-home exercise program.
• Able to participate in desired activity or sport unrestricted.
• Patient goal.

Why robotic-assisted partial knee replacement recovery may be faster

This recovery pathway is tied to Dr. Stone’s robotic-assisted partial knee replacement program. Using the Stryker MAKO system, Dr. Stone creates a personalized surgical plan and uses a computerized 3-D model of the patient’s knee to guide highly accurate implant placement.

The procedure is designed to be less invasive than traditional knee replacement approaches: no muscles are cut, less tissue and bone are removed, all four stabilizing ligaments remain intact, and non-arthritic articular cartilage is left in place. These details help support a quicker recovery, more natural-feeling knee motion, and a return to an active lifestyle.