Survey the Level of C-Reactive Protein, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate and Complete Blood Count After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Abstract

Objective: Due to few lack of researches in the field of changes of inflammatory factors after post-operative knee surgery in our country in order to improve the health status of the patients, in this study, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein  and white blood cells  changes after uncomplicated arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction of the knee were investigated. 

Material and Methods: In this prospective experimental study, patients undergoing arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction of the knee with uncomplicated postoperative course in Imam Hospital were studied.

Results: We included 60 patients, 56 (93.3%) were male and mean age of patients was 29.58±7.15 years. C-reactive protein   levels peaked on the 2nd post-operative day and then declined and returned to the pre-operative levels on 7th day. erythrocyte sedimentation rate in patients after surgery has been peaked on the 2nd post-operative day, and returned to the pre-operative levels 14 days after surgery. The age of the patients had a direct correlation with post-operative  C-reactive protein on the seventh and twenty-eighth, respectively  r = 0.39, p = 0.04 and r = 0.84, p = 0.009. Patient age had a direct correlation with erythrocyte sedimentation rate day 7 and 14, respectively r = 0.49, p = 0.012; r = 0.44, p = 0.046.

Conclusion: Post-operative C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate levels returned to pre-operative levels in days two and fourteen respectively. If  C-reactive protein   and erythrocyte sedimentation rate levels not reduced after the seventh and fourteenth day, respectively or increase again, definitive diagnosis of infection should be investigated. 

Key words: ACL reconstruction, CRP, ESR, septic arthritis