C reactive protein and skin temperature post total knee replacement.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering
• Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

• Total knee replacement (TKR) is a common orthopedic procedure.
• Monitoring postoperative recovery is crucial for identifying complications.
• Biomarkers and physical signs aid in assessing healing and detecting issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the typical postoperative recovery trajectory of clinical status, skin temperature, and C-reactive protein (CRP) following uncomplicated TKR.
• To establish normal temporal ranges for these parameters in the early and mid-term postoperative periods.
• To identify potential indicators for early detection of complications such as infection after TKR.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study design involving 20 patients undergoing uncomplicated TKR.
• Serial measurements of clinical status, skin temperature, and CRP levels.
• Data collection preoperatively and up to 18 weeks postoperatively.

Main Results:

• C-reactive protein (CRP) levels peaked within 5-7 days post-TKR and normalized by 6 weeks.
• Elevated skin temperature persisted up to 18 weeks post-TKR in uncomplicated cases.
• A sustained elevation in CRP or skin temperature beyond these expected ranges was noted as a potential sign of complication.

Conclusions:

• In uncomplicated TKR, CRP levels should normalize within 6 weeks, whereas elevated skin temperature may persist for up to 18 weeks.
• Sustained elevations in CRP or skin temperature post-TKR warrant close monitoring for potential complications, including infection.
• These findings provide a reference for expected postoperative recovery, aiding in the clinical assessment of TKR patients.