Erythrocyte sedimentation rate following uncomplicated lumbar disc operations.

To determine the normal response of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate following uncomplicated lumbar disc operation, 16 patients were studied with serial erythrocyte sedimentation rates during the first six postoperative weeks. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate should be no higher than 25 mm/hr after the first week following an uncomplicated lumbar disc operation in a patient with a normal preoperative erythrocyte sedimentation rate. In patients with elevated preoperative erythrocyte sedimentation rates, further postoperative elevation may be noted. This value may be incorrectly interpreted unless a preoperative erythrocyte sedimentation rate has been determined for baseline purposes.