In post-total knee arthroplasty rehabilitation, which progression milestone is typical?

In post-total knee arthroplasty rehabilitation, which progression milestone is typical?

• A. Start high-impact activities within the first week.
• B. Avoid quadriceps activation entirely for 6 weeks.
• C. Initiate early ROM and extension goals, with progressive weight bearing per protocol and early activation of quadriceps as tolerated.
• D. Delay wound care surveillance for several weeks.

Answer: (C)

After total knee arthroplasty, rehab focuses on a safe, progressive plan that restores motion and function without compromising the surgical site. Initiating early range of motion and working toward full extension helps prevent stiffness and extra scar tissue, which is a common risk after knee replacement. Simultaneously, advancing weight bearing according to the protocol allows the patient to regain normal gait and loading patterns while protecting the prosthesis and healing tissues. Early activation of the quadriceps as tolerated is crucial to rebuild muscle support around the knee, improve knee stability, and prevent quadriceps inhibition and atrophy that can follow surgery. Starting high-impact activities in the first week would stress the healing knee too soon. Completely avoiding quadriceps activation for six weeks would lead to substantial weakness and impaired function. Delaying wound care surveillance for weeks is unsafe, as early monitoring helps detect infection, excessive drainage, or wound complications that require prompt attention.

After total knee arthroplasty, rehab focuses on a safe, progressive plan that restores motion and function without compromising the surgical site. Initiating early range of motion and working toward full extension helps prevent stiffness and extra scar tissue, which is a common risk after knee replacement. Simultaneously, advancing weight bearing according to the protocol allows the patient to regain normal gait and loading patterns while protecting the prosthesis and healing tissues. Early activation of the quadriceps as tolerated is crucial to rebuild muscle support around the knee, improve knee stability, and prevent quadriceps inhibition and atrophy that can follow surgery.

Starting high-impact activities in the first week would stress the healing knee too soon. Completely avoiding quadriceps activation for six weeks would lead to substantial weakness and impaired function. Delaying wound care surveillance for weeks is unsafe, as early monitoring helps detect infection, excessive drainage, or wound complications that require prompt attention.