The effect of knee position on blood loss and range of motion following total knee arthroplasty

110 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were included in this trial to determine the effects of knee position on blood loss and ROM following primary TKA. Patients were randomized to a flexion group (30 degree knee flexion) or an extension group for the first 72 hours, all patients had their legs elevated 30 degrees at the hip. Over a 6-week follow-up period it was identified that patients with their knee flexed to 30 degrees had lower amounts of hidden blood loss, less knee swelling and superior range of motion during the early post-operative period.