Knee skin temperature following uncomplicated total knee replacement.
This prospective study aimed to establish the pattern of knee skin temperature following uncomplicated primary total knee replacement. Thirty-two patients were included. The skin temperature of operated and contralateral knees was measured preoperatively and daily during the first 6 weeks postoperatively. Measurements were also taken at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months following surgery. The difference in temperature between the two knees had a mean value of (+)2.9 degrees C at 7 days. This mean value decreased to (+)1.6 degrees C at 6 weeks, (+)1.3 degrees C at 3 months, (+)0.9 degrees C at 6 months (+)0.3 degrees C at 12 months and (+)0.0 degrees C at 24 months. Following uncomplicated total knee replacement, the operated knee skin temperature increases compared to the contralateral knee. The difference decreases gradually but remains statistically significant up to at least 6 months following surgery. In the absence of other features of infection, local knee warmth should not cause concern.
Haidar
S G
SG
Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, City Hospital, Dudley Road, Birmingham B18 7QH, UK. thehaidars@aol.com
Charity
R M
RM
Bassi
R S
RS
Nicolai
P
P
Singh
B K
BK
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007717:Knee / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000601:surgery; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012881:Skin Temperature / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors