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Fever following total knee arthroplasty
S Guinn1, F P Castro, R Garcia
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
The American Journal of Knee Surgery
|September 25, 1999
Summary
Postoperative fever is common after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), occurring in most patients. While fever in unilateral TKA patients may indicate complications, it doesn't always necessitate further investigation or delay discharge.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Clinical Medicine
- Patient Outcomes
Background:
- Postoperative fever is a frequent occurrence following major orthopedic procedures.
- Understanding the incidence and significance of fever after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence of postoperative fever in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
- To determine the clinical significance and potential complications associated with postoperative fever in TKA patients.
- To identify predictors of postoperative fever and guide discharge decisions.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 118 consecutive patients undergoing 141 TKAs (unilateral and bilateral).
- Recording of postoperative fever incidence and clinical/laboratory findings.
- Statistical analysis to correlate fever with complications and surgical variables.
Main Results:
- Postoperative fever occurred in 66% of unilateral and 74% of bilateral TKAs.
- A significant association was found between fever and immediate postoperative complications in unilateral TKA patients.
- No surgical variables predicted the incidence of postoperative fever.
Conclusions:
- Fever is a common finding after TKA and is not always indicative of a serious issue.
- Careful evaluation, including pulmonary toilet and diagnostic tests, is recommended for febrile TKA patients.
- Postoperative fever alone should not be considered a contraindication for patient discharge.