Abstract
Purpose: The aim of our study was to establish the pattern of knee skin temperature following uncomplicated TKA.
Methods and Materials: It was a prospective study that was carried out between 2001 and 2004. A pocket digital surface thermometer was used. A preliminary study established the site and time of temperature measurement.. Patients with an increased risk of infection and those with a contralateral knee pathology or a previous surgery were excluded. Forty-eight patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and consented to participate; the skin temperature of operated and contralateral knees was measured preoperatively and daily during the first six weeks postoperatively. Measurements were also taken at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months following surgery. During the course of the study, patients developing complications of the operated knee or any pathology of the contralateral knee were excluded.
Results: Thirty-two patients completed the main study. Following surgery, systemic and both knees temperatures increased. Whereas systemic and contralateral knee temperature settled within one week, the operated knee temperature took a longer time. The difference in temperature between the two knees had a mean value of +2.9oC at 7 days. This mean value decreased to +1.6oC at 6 weeks, +1.3oC at 3 months, +0.9oC at 6 months +0.3°C at 12 months and +0.04°C at 24 months.
Conclusion: Following uncomplicated TKA, the operated knee skin temperature increases compared to the contra-lateral knee. This increase diminishes slowly over several months; however, it remains statistically significant up to 6 months.
Correspondence should be addressed to Mr Tim Wilton, BASK at the Royal College of Surgeons, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE.
