While there is no gold standard test to diagnose periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), we believe synovial fluid analysis, especially preoperatively, is a critical step in differentiating between infection and aseptic failure. Adding simple and inexpensive biomarkers such as synovial C-reactive protein (CRP) or adenosine deaminase (ADA) and combined interpretation can be helpful in the context of inconclusive results.

In a first evaluation, the accuracy of a novel multiplex PCR (polymerase chain reaction) panel for rapid detection of pathogens in patients with a clinical suspicion of acute septic arthritis of native and prosthetic joints is assessed. Clear benefit is seen in patients with a suspected native septic arthritis and late acute prosthetic joint infection. This indicates that the panel allows for fast tailoring of antibiotics and may prompt the surgeon for surgical lavage in doubtful clinical cases.

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a complication of total joint arthroplasty, and treatment failure rates are still quite high. This study has developed a novel rabbit model of PJI that provides an opportunity to introduce treatments during ongoing infection, with readouts including a quantifiable method to assess biofilm coverage on implants via scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

A low-grade periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) may be difficult to diagnose, and nuclear imaging could help in the diagnosis. However, its diagnostic value is unclear. We retrospectively evaluated this diagnostic value. We conclude that in patients presenting with nonspecific symptoms and a low a priori chance of PJI based on clinical evaluation, nuclear imaging is of no clear added value in diagnosing a PJI.