[The course of inflammatory mediators after elective orthopedic interventions].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to characterize the changes of C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, white blood count and body temperature by serial measurements after different types of uncomplicated orthopedic surgery.


METHODS
The uncomplicated course of 180 patients after elective total hip and knee arthroplasties, ventral and dorsal spinal fusions and diagnostic knee and shoulder arthroscopies were analyzed.


RESULTS
The maximal CRP-values were recorded on the second or third day after operation. The peak levels correlated with the extent of the procedures and reached 1.28-17.71 mg/dl. The ESR increased to maximal rates five to six days after surgery and remained elevated during the 14 days of the investigation period. WBC and body temperature showed a slow and uncharacteristic increase followed by a slow and irregular decrease.


CONCLUSIONS
Awareness of the typical pattern of CRP, ESR, WBC and body temperature may help to evaluate the early postoperative course. The CRP is a sensitive marker. ESR, WBC and body temperature are less costly but a poor diagnostic aid for the early detection of postoperative complications especially infections.
Giehl
J P
JP
Orthopädische Klinik und Poliklinik, Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen.
Kluba
T
T
Lebherz
C
C
D000210:Acute-Phase Reaction / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee; D001182:Arthroscopy; D001831:Body Temperature / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis; D012016:Reference Values; D013123:Spinal Fusion
D018836:Inflammation Mediators