Purpose: The aim of study was to investigate relationship between compliance and recovery of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee patients after knee arthroplasty. Methods: 193 patients living in Seoul were participated in this study. Data were collected using the Knee Society Clinical Rating System and Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36(SF-36) and analyzed by ANCOVA, t-test, and repeated measure ANOVA. Results: There was a significant difference of physiological recovery based on the number of co-morbidity patients have. Physical recovery level was different according to age, religion, and the number of co-morbidity. Age and education level of patients were different in emotional recovery. The level of physiological and physical recovery were significantly different consistent with compliance. Compared to preoperative scores, physiological and physical scores showed significant improvement at six weeks, three months, and six months after surgery while emotional scores did not showed significant improvement. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that nursing interventions to increase compliance are needed for better recovery of patients after knee arthroplasty.