Association between deep vein thrombosis and the temperature at the popliteal fossa during cement curing in total knee arthroplasty.

The temperature at the popliteal fossa during cement curing and its relationship with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has not been investigated. Fifty-six consecutive patients who underwent primary TKA were recruited. The temperatures at the popliteal fossa were measured during bone cement exothermic polymerization. Postoperative operated leg ascending venographies were performed 5 days after TKA for screening of DVT. The maximum temperatures were 32.5°C ± 1.0°C at the popliteal fossa during cement curing. No significant difference was found of the maximum temperatures in the popliteal fossa between the non-DVT and DVT groups. The present study indicated that the heat resulting from polymerization of the cement may not be a possible cause of damage to the veins surrounding the knee, and it may have no relationship with DVT.