Medical experts find that it’s generally OK to kneel after healing from apartialor fullknee replacement.
Partial knee replacement is less invasive and people typically have fewer complications and faster recoveries, which includes kneeling.
A partial knee replacement, sometimes called unicompartmental surgery, replaces only the affected compartment of the knee.
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A total knee replacement involves the replacement of all three compartments of the knee.
Partial knee replacements, however, are more often associated with the need for repeat surgeries in the future.
A British study found that up to 50,000 people in the United Kingdom faced this decision each year.
Will Kneeling Harm the Artificial Knee?
People who have knee replacement surgeries often wonder if kneeling will harm or break their artificial joint.
One 2019 study of kneeling after total knee replacement showed positive results.
People who could not kneel at the beginning of the study were given training designed to help them.
They were all reassessed at the end of the training.
Summary
Concerns about kneeling after knee replacement surgery are common.
You may experience continued pain or discomfort and want to avoid kneeling.
You also may be afraid of damaging the knee and its artificial components.
It may, however, still feel painful or uncomfortable to kneel.
Talk to your healthcare provider about other adjustments you’ll need to make, too.
For example, stairs, bathtubs, and other features of your home environment may need changes.
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