Diagnosis of Prosthetic Joint Infection: Cultures, Biomarker and Criteria

Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2017 Jun;31(2):219-235. doi: 10.1016/j.idc.2017.01.008.

Abstract

Prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are devastating complications after joint arthroplasty that continue to pose a diagnostic challenge. Currently, a single, stand-alone test with the adequate accuracy and reliability for diagnosis of PJI is not available; therefore, physicians who care for patients with PJI must rely on a combination of diagnostic tests for the diagnosis of PJI. This article reviews conventional laboratory test modalities, diagnostic accuracy and limitations of current tests, and novel emerging tests for the diagnosis of PJI.

Keywords: Arthroplasty; Diagnosis; Prosthetic joint infection.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arthroplasty
  • Bacteria / isolation & purification
  • Biofilms
  • Biomarkers / blood*
  • C-Reactive Protein / analysis
  • Cytokines / analysis
  • Cytokines / immunology
  • Humans
  • Joint Prosthesis / adverse effects*
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections / diagnosis*
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections / microbiology
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Synovial Fluid / immunology
  • Tissue Culture Techniques

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Cytokines
  • C-Reactive Protein