Synovial fluid levels of lactate dehydrogenase in patients with total knee arthroplasty.

Synovial fluid lactate dehydrogenase determination may offer a valuable preoperative assessment of polyethylene wear in aseptic total joint arthroplasty. Particulate ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene may result in cell lysis and release of intracellular enzymes. This study tests the possible relationship between lactate dehydrogenase levels and particle wear in synovial fluid. The lactate dehydrogenase level may be used as a marker of joint inflammation from polyethylene wear.