Any operation induces an elevation in the level of serum C-reactive protein (CRP). After hip and knee arthroplasty the maximal values are seen on the second and third postoperative days, after which the CRP decreases 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.
BackgroundTranexamic acid has been found to reduce blood loss and the need for blood transfusions in knee arthroplasty. In hip arthroplasty, the benefit of tranexamic acid is not as clear.Patients and methods In a randomized, doubleblind study, 39 patients with primary cemented hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis were divided into two groups; one receiving tranexamic acid and the other not receiving it. Tranexamic acid was given in a dose of 10 mg/kg before the operation and twice thereafter, at 8-hour intervals.Results and interpretation Total blood loss was smaller in the tranexamic acid group than in the control group. No thromboembolic complications were noticed. Tranexamic acid appears to be an effective and economic drug for reduction of blood loss in cemented primary hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis.
Nerves exhibiting substance P-like immunoreactivity were demonstrated in the human periosteum. A network of nerves showing substance P-like immunoreactivity was seen in the periosteum, while finer strands of immunoreactive nerve fibers were present immediately beneath the surface of the periosteum. Enkephalin-like immunoreactivity was also studied but could not be demonstrated. Substance P has previously been suggested to be involved in the mediation of the sensation of pain. The clinically observable marked pain sensitivity of periosteal tissue might be explained by the peptidergic nerves described in this paper.
Five fresh osteochondral fractures of the knee, which could not be fixed because of extensive fragmentation, were treated by excision of the fragments and reconstruction of the joint surface defect by an autogenous osteoperiosteal graft. The procedure was also used for joint surface reconstruction in sclerotic osteochondritis of the femoral condyle (nine knees) and grave patellofemoral chondromalacia (three knees). Plaster cast immobilization for 3 weeks was used in the two early cases. In all other cases, we employed a passive motion apparatus for 2 days postoperatively, followed by active mobilization in a knee brace with extension-flexion 30 to 90 degrees (femoral condyle reconstruction) or 0 to 45 degrees (patellar reconstruction). Gradual free movements were started 3 weeks postoperatively. The results after 1.5 to 6.5 years were satisfactory in all but one case. One arthroscopic removal of the loose graft was performed, as were two arthroscopic graft margin shavings. Three other reoperations were unrelated to the osteoperiosteal reconstruction. It appears that periosteal reconstruction should be considered in local osteochondral lesions, where excision of the injured cartilage is mandatory. The results were best in fresh trauma cases and younger people.
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