The erythrocyte sedimentation rate following exchange of infected total hips

Seventy-six patients without other diseases affecting the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) underwent exchange of an infected total hip. The ESR before the exchange arthroplasty averaged 53 mm/h. ESR values at 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months after the exchange operation were lower in 60 patients in whom the infection healed than in 16 patients whose infection had not healed. From 3 months after the exchange operation and onwards, the ESR averaged less than 20 mm in healed cases compared with more than 30 mm in still infected cases. An ESR equal or less than 30 mm after 6 months--observed in 48/53 healed cases--implied a good prognosis.