What You Can Expect After a Total Knee Replacement:

Recovery
Improvements in surgical techniques and post-op care mean that after about two to three days, you will most likely go straight home from the hospital. However, some patients need to spend a little longer in a rehabilitation center or care facility before they're able to return home. Your care team will work with your family to determine what's best for you and arrange additional support for you at home if required. 

Time Line
Complete recovery time can vary, but you can expect to use a walker for about four weeks. In as little as four to six weeks, you may begin driving again. Activities such as golf and bowling can be resumed in as few as 10 to 12 weeks.

0 days—surgery
2–3 days—leave hospital
4 days—begin in home rehab
28 days—walking w/o walker anticipated
4–6 weeks—resume driving
10-12 weeks—resume activities

What You Can Expect After a Partial Knee Replacement:

Recovery
Again, complete recovery time will vary, but most people will use a walker for only about two weeks, and driving may be possible in two to three weeks. Activities such as golfing, dancing or bowling may be resumed in as few as four to six weeks.

Time Line

0 days—surgery
1 days—leave hospital
2 days—begin outpatient rehab
2 weeks—walking w/o walker anticipated
2–3 weeks—resume driving
4–6 weeks—resume activities