Changes in erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein after total hip arthroplasty

Uncomplicated total hip arthroplasty (THA) was performed in 40 osteoarthritic patients, and changes in erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were registered. The follow-up period was one year. Preoperative ESR appeared to be slightly elevated, and CRP levels were normal, with no exceptions. A postoperative maximum ESR of 64 mm/hour was reached six days after surgery. A slow decrease followed, but ESR remained slightly elevated one year later. The changes in CRP were more rapid; a maximum of 134 mg/l was registered on the second day after surgery, and the values were consistently normalized three weeks after surgery. Thus, uneventful recovery after THA seems to be indicated by a normalizing CRP, regardless of ESR values.