The use of inflammatory markers as a method for discharging patients post hip or knee arthroplasty.

Background: Complications after orthopaedic surgery have a substantial impact on resources, including the financial resources of the health-care system. Early detection of patients developing complications, thus excluding those patients without complications should have a major impact on patients' management.

Methods: We evaluated the prognostic value of blood levels of inflammatory markers (interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, total white blood cell count) for complications after primary hip and knee arthroplasty in a routine setting, and their impact on patient management.