Fever following orthopedic operations in children.

One hundred fifty-three orthopedic operations in 129 children were analyzed for the significance of postoperative fever (POF) as a predictive factor for possible complications. In 72% of the operations, a temperature of greater than 37 degrees C was recorded. In 63 operations (41%), the temperature was greater than 38 degrees C. Sixteen children had positive clinical signs that might explain the fever, and all of them had a temperature of greater than 38 degrees C. Duration of operation of greater than 1 h, clubfoot releases, open reduction of fractures, and spine fusion operations gave higher incidences of POF. POF indicates a complication only when associated with positive physical findings. A postoperative temperature of greater than 38 degrees C, therefore, mandates repeated physical examination, which is the most reliable method of discovering the presence of complications.