SERUM C-REACTIVE PROTEIN-LEVELS AFTER TOTAL HIP AND KNEE ARTHROPLASTY

Any operation induces an elevation in the level of serum C-reactive pr otein (CRP). After hip and knee arthroplasty the maximal values are se en on the second and third postoperative days, after which the CRP dec reases rapidly. There is no difference between patients with cemented or uncemented prostheses. Major postoperative complications may cause a further increase in CRP levels at one and two weeks.