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This is an excerpt from NSCA'S Essentials of Personal Training - 2nd Edition by NSCA -National Strength & Conditioning Association.
Total Knee Arthroplasty
Years of repetitive loading to the human knee can result in degeneration and degradation of the joint surfaces of the distal femur and proximal tibia. Often the degeneration is specifically located on either the medial or the lateral side of the knee joint, based on wear patterns and more specifically the individual's lower extremity alignment. People who are excessively bow-legged (genu varum) or knock-kneed (genu valgum), or who have had serious injury to the knee (such as extensive fractures through the joint, meniscal pathology, or instability of the knee due to unrepaired or failed repair of ligamentous structures), are often candidates for a total knee replacement.
Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) requires extensive exposure of the joint with a large central incision. Prosthetic components are selected and inserted to cover the worn areas at the ends of both the femur and tibia. Rehabilitation begins immediately with a ROM focus. Individuals perform open and closed kinetic chain exercises initially in the hospital and at home prior to formal outpatient rehabilitation.
Movement and Exercise Guidelines