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The Knee, ISSN: 0968-0160, Vol: 12, Issue: 4, Page: 297-300
Knee
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C reactive protein and skin temperature post total knee replacement
A. Mehra; V. G. Langkamer; A. Day; S. Harris; R. F. SpencerKnee
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.
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