The diagnostic value of C-reactive protein in infected total hip arthroplasties.
In 50 patients with non-infected total hip arthroplasties (THA), 233 C-reactive protein (CRP) values were obtained over a three-year period. Six of these 50 patients occasionally had CRP values of over 20 mg/l. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and CRP concentration were measured in 23 patients with deep infections of THA before revision. In 11 patients the infections were caused by coagulase-negative staphylococci. CRP exceeded 20 mg/l in 18 patients and the ESR was more than 30 mm/hr in 14. In only one infected patient were both CRP and ESR below these levels. All of 33 patients with non-septic loosening had CRP less than 20 mg/l and ESR less than 30 mm/hr before revision. C-reactive protein seems to be a valuable supplement to the ESR in the monitoring of infection after THA.
Sanzén
L
L
Department of Orthopaedics, Lund University, Malmö General Hospital, Sweden.
Carlsson
A S
AS
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D001799:Blood Sedimentation; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006622:Hip Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012086:Reoperation
D002097:C-Reactive Protein