Levels of lactate dehydrogenase in osteoarthritic and failed total knee joints.

Synoval fluid lactate dehydrogenase may be used as a marker of joint inflammation. Macrophage phagocytosis may result in cell llysis and release of intracellular lactate dehydrogenase. This study demonstrates that synovial lactate dehydrogenase levels are markedly increased in failed total knee arthroplasty as compared to end-state osteoarthritic knee joints.