Interleukin-6: a potential inflammatory marker after total joint replacement

In a prospective study C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) measurements were taken serially in 30 patients before and after 20 total hip arthroplasties (THR) and 10 total knee arthroplasties (TKR). There were no peri- and postoperative complications. Postoperatively the IL-6 serum concentration increased rapidly and peaked 6 h postoperatively at maximum levels (399±140 pg/ml). There was a mean half-life of 15 h and thereafter a rapid return to normal concentrations. In comparison, the postoperative CRP concentration rose more slowly and reached maximum levels (138±54 mg/l) on the second postoperative day. There was thereafter a slow descent with a mean half-life of 62 h. There was no significant difference between the patients with THR and those with TKR (P>0.05). IL-6 is therefore a superior marker for the inflammatory phase after THR and TKR.