Early post-operative CRP is a better predictor of DAIR failure than pre-operative CRP in total knee PJI - Report - MDSpire

Early post-operative CRP is a better predictor of DAIR failure than pre-operative CRP in total knee PJI

  • By

  • Harrison Beadel

  • Ryan Chaffey

  • Katy Kim

  • Mark Zhu

  • Brendan Coleman

  • June 26, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Post-operative CRP Levels Serve as Superior Indicators of DAIR Failure

Overview

This study evaluates the efficacy of post-operative C-reactive protein (CRP) levels as predictors of failure in debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) surgery for total knee periprosthetic joint infection (PJI).

Background

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a significant complication following total knee arthroplasty, often leading to reoperation. The ability to accurately predict DAIR failure is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies. Current predictive scoring systems have variable efficacy.

Data Highlights

No numerical data provided in the source material.

Key Findings

  • Post-operative CRP levels were found to be superior indicators of DAIR failure compared to pre-operative levels.
  • DAIR surgery is a common first-line treatment for PJI, with reported success rates ranging from 20% to 85%.
  • CRP is a low-cost and accessible biomarker for diagnosing and monitoring PJI.
  • Current scoring systems for predicting DAIR failure have variable efficacy.
  • Patients with higher post-operative CRP levels are at increased risk for DAIR failure.

Clinical Implications

Monitoring post-operative CRP levels may enhance decision-making in the early post-operative period for patients undergoing DAIR surgery.

Conclusion

Post-operative CRP levels provide insights into the likelihood of DAIR failure in total knee PJI.

Related Resources & Content

  1. C-reactive protein levels in the first six days following total hip arthroplasty do not serve as reliable indicators for early periprosthetic infection, Springer, 2022
  2. Evaluating Serum C-Reactive Protein Levels for Diagnosing Periprosthetic Shoulder Infections, Springer, 2021
  3. Is synovial calprotectin lateral flow test a reliable intraoperative biomarker for periprosthetic joint infection? A systematic review and meta-analysis, Springer, 2026
  4. Speciality Standards (SpecS) - Peri-prosthetic Joint Infection, British Orthopaedic Association, 2024
  5. Analysis of failure causes and risk prediction of debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) for acute periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), Frontiers, 2026
  6. Evaluating Serum D-Dimer Levels in Diagnosing Periprosthetic Shoulder Infections
  7. C-Reactive Protein as a Predictor of the Success of Debridement, Antibiotics and Implant Retention in Patients With Periprosthetic Joint Infection
  8. Diagnostic and Predictive Efficacy of Synovial Fluid Versus Serum C-Reactive Protein Levels for Periprosthetic Joint Infection and Reimplantation Success
  9. Speciality Standards (SpecS) - Peri-prosthetic Joint Infection
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  11. Analysis of failure causes and risk prediction of debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) for acute periprosthetic joint infection (PJI)
  12. C-reactive protein during the first 6 postoperative days after total hip arthroplasty cannot predict early periprosthetic infection - PMC

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