To examine the effects of 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. All patients undergoing an elective uncemented total knee arthroplasty at a district general hospital were approached at the pre-assessment clinic. The study was explained and the patients were enrolled into the study following written consent. Venous blood samples were taken pre-operatively, day 1 and day 7 post-operatively. Serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL6), tumour necrosis factor (TNF??, 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.Aim
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