The aim of this study was to examine the effects of cement in total knee arthroplasty on markers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, as surrogate markers for enhanced risk of vascular disease or precipitation of acute vascular events post-operatively. A total of 36 patients were recruited, with 18 in each of the cemented and uncemented groups. Both groups were matched for age, sex and body mass index. Venous blood samples were taken pre-operatively, day 1 and day 7 post-operatively. Serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL6), tumour necrosis factor (TNFâ–ˇ?, e-selectin, Von willebrand factor (vWF), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and soluble CD40 ligand were analysed. Also, real time analysis of the expression of CD40 and CD14/CD42a aggregates on monocytes was carried out using flow cytometry. Patients were excluded from the study if there were signs of either superficial or deep infection. The only variable to demonstrate a significant difference between the two groups was the CD1442a count. There was a significant difference in the first 24 hours (p=0.00) and from day 1 to day 7 (p=0.02) Our study suggests that the use of bone cement causes a significant rise in CD1442a count which has been linked to atherothrombosis and acute coronary syndromes. These changes may explain the increased incidence of venous thrombosis and thromboembolism post-operatively. However more research required in this field to delineate the exact pathways involved.
