C reactive protein and skin temperature post total knee replacement

We prospectively assessed 20 patients following uncomplicated total knee replacement (TKR). Clinical status, skin temperature and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured preoperatively and at intervals up to 18 weeks. The CRP rose postoperatively up to 5-7 days but returned to normal values by 6 weeks. The skin temperature remained elevated up to 18 weeks. We concluded that in uncomplicated cases, the CRP should be within normal limits by 6 weeks after operation, but skin temperature may remain elevated up to 18 weeks. A sustained rise in these values may indicate the development of a complication such as infection and the patient must be closely monitored. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.