Non-infectious Variation of Knee Surface Temperature Following Total Knee Arthroplasty

This study aims to evaluate the skin surface temperature following an uncomplicated total knee arthroplasty (TKA) compared to the contralateral native knee to inform both patient and provider of what was identified as a normal postoperative inflammatory response. In a retrospective case-control study, 39 patients who underwent uncomplicated TKA between 2017 and 2021 had knee surface temperatures taken in the clinic at 3 weeks, 2 months, and 1 year. The operated knee was compared to the contralateral knee to determine the difference in knee surface temperature. Knee surface temperatures following TKA increased an average of 3.7°C, 3.4°C, and 1.2°C after 3 weeks, 2 months, and 1 year, respectively. Providers can make patients aware of these changes to decrease patient concerns of possible infection when feeling the normal knee surface temperature change associated with TKA. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 35(2):068–071, 2026)

Key words: total knee arthroplasty, postoperative, skin temperature, infection, septic arthritis, total joint replacement