If you have a PPO, or live in a state like California or other states where you could have a Nano Knee procedure. I would highly recommend it. I only used a walker the first day and was walking my dog a half a mile by day three, I did not need any assistance. I was 77 years old. I have also heard that that Jiffy Knee is also less invasive. I had the traditional knee replacement 11 years ago and yes, it was a nightmare. I did have a full recovery and my knee did very well, but the recovery is so much more painful, longer, more invasive than the Nano Knee procedure. Nano Knee procedure is pricey because Medicare does not pay for the scan. However, it does pay for the surgery. If you could afford Nano Knee, my advice is do it. !