CRP and infection: H Aono et al. (26) pointed out that CRP, white blood cell count, and body temperature are easily measurable inflammatory markers and can be used as indicators for early SSI after PLIF; Eiichiro Iwata et al. (27) suggested that CRP levels greater than 10 mg/dL on postoperative day 4 help diagnose SSI; Anatoli Pinchuk et al. (28) considered elevated CRP levels as an indicator of increased infection risk.