J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  1998 Nov;27(11):1508-1511.

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, C-Reactive Protein, and White Blood Cell Count after Lumbar Discectomy

• Kwon SC
• Kim SJ
• Shin HS
• Park SK

Abstract

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR), C-reactive protein(CRP), and white blood cell(WBC) counts are screening parameter for detection of postoperative infectious complications. We compared each values of ESR, CRP, and WBC after lumbar discectomy. These parameters were examined in all patients preoperatively, and postoperative days 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11, and clinical and laboratory findings were compared. A total of 87 patients suffering lumbar disc herniation, treated surgically without any evidence of infectious problems, were included in this prospective study. The CRP and WBC counts elevated postoperative day 1, and returned to preoperative state at postoperative day 5. The ESR reacted to more steady pattern in postoperative courses. These normal spectrum of infectious parameter after lumbar discectomy will attribute more accurate diagnosis of infectious complications, such as spondylodiscitis.

Keyword

ESR; CRP; WBC; Screening parameter; Lumbar discectomy

MeSH Terms

Blood Sedimentation*
Diagnosis
Discitis
Diskectomy*
Erythrocytes*
Humans
Leukocyte Count*
Leukocytes*
Mass Screening
Prospective Studies