title: Knee skin temperature following uncomplicated total knee replacement.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, City Hospital, Dudley Road, Birmingham B18 7QH, UK. thehaidars@aol.com
authors.forename: S G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Haidar
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Charity
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Bassi
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nicolai
authors.forename: B K
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Singh
mesh_terms: 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