The 90/90 pillow reduces blood loss after knee arthroplasty

Abstract Our goal was to evaluate the 90/90 pillow as an effective means of preventing blood loss after knee arthroplasty. We performed a prospective randomized case-control study on 40 patients undergoing knee arthroplasty. All patients were treated in a standard fashion, except for the use of the 90/90 pillow in one group. The 90/90 pillow flexes the knee to 90° and is in situ for 24 hours after surgery. We measured blood loss at time points from 1 to 48 hours. Range of motion was assessed, as were analgesic requirements. Statistical analysis was performed on our results. We found a statistically significant reduction in blood loss without compromising range of motion. We advocate the 90/90 pillow after all knee arthroplasties.