Background: Both chemical and mechanical methods of prophylaxis have reduced the the incidence of thromboembolic complications following Total Knee Replacement (TKR). Only a few studies have shown that mobilisation on the first post operative day further reduces the incidence of thromboembolic phenomena.

Aims: We conducted a prospective study to verify not only if early mobilisation but also whether the distance mobilised on the first post-operative day after TKR reduced the incidence of thromboembolic complications.

Methodology: The incidence of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism were compared in 50 consecutive patients who underwent TKR from July 2006 following a change in the mobilisation protocol with 50 consecutive patients who underwent TKR before the protocol was instigated. The mobilisation protocol changed from strict bed rest the first post operative day to mobilisation on the first post operative day. Mobilisation was defined as sitting out of bed or walking for at least 15–30 minutes twice a day. The distance mobilised was accurately recorded by the physiotherapists. All patients underwent duplex scans of both lower limbs on the fourth post operative day.

Results: There was a Significant reduction in the incidence of thromboembolic complications in the mobilisation group (7 in total) compared to the control group (16 in total) (p=0.03). Furthermore in the mobilisation group the odds of developing a thromboemobloic complication was Significantly reduced the greater the distance the patient mobilised, (Chi squared linear trend=8.009, p =0.0047).

Early mobilisation in the first 24 hours post TKR is a cheap and effective way to reduce the incidence of post-operative DVT.