C reactive protein and skin temperature post total knee replacement.
We prospectively assessed 20 patients following uncomplicated total knee replacement (TKR). Clinical status, skin temperature and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured preoperatively and at intervals up to 18 weeks. The CRP rose postoperatively up to 5-7 days but returned to normal values by 6 weeks. The skin temperature remained elevated up to 18 weeks. We concluded that in uncomplicated cases, the CRP should be within normal limits by 6 weeks after operation, but skin temperature may remain elevated up to 18 weeks. A sustained rise in these values may indicate the development of a complication such as infection and the patient must be closely monitored.
Mehra
A
A
Department of Orthopaedics, Weston General Hospital, Grange Road, Weston Super Mare, BS23 4TQ, United Kingdom. amehra@talk21.com
Langkamer
V G
VG
Day
A
A
Harris
S
S
Spencer
R F
RF
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012881:Skin Temperature
D002097:C-Reactive Protein