C-reactive protein levels after 4 types of arthroplasty

Background and purpose Postoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in serum appear to reflect surgical trauma. We examined CRP levels after 4 types of arthroplasty.

Material and methods We investigated 102 patients who had total knee arthroplasty (TKA), computer navigation-assisted total knee arthroplasty (NAV-TKA), hip resurfacing arthroplasty (metal on metal, MMSA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA), respectively. CRP levels were estimated before surgery and postoperatively at 2 and 7 days.

Results Postoperatively, the peak CRP levels were highest on the second day after surgery in each of the groups. The peak CPR levels after hip resurfacing were lower than those after conventional primary THA. The peak CRP levels after computer navigation-assisted TKA were lower than those after conventional primary TKA.

Interpretation The extent of bone and bone marrow injury rather than the region of surgery or the amount of soft tissue damage appears to determine the extent of the postoperative CRP response.