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Updated: May 14, 2026

Novel Diagnostics in Revision Arthroplasty: Implant Sonication and Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction
Published on: December 3, 2017
Diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infections in clinical practice
Parham Sendi1, Werner Zimmerli
1Unit of Infectious Diseases, Basel University Medical Clinic Liestal, Liestal, Switzerland.
Abstract:
The diagnosis of a periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) can be challenging, either because of the variable clinical presentation or because of previous antimicrobial treatment interfering with the detection of the pathogen. In recent years, various means to diagnose PJI have been analyzed. These include invasive and non-invasive laboratory tests, imaging procedures, and novel techniques such as sonication of implants and the use of molecular microbiology. In this review, both established and novel diagnostic procedures are presented. An algorithm for detecting PJI in patients with acute and chronic symptoms is proposed.
Insights
Diagnosing periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is difficult due to varied symptoms and prior antibiotic use. This review covers established and novel methods, proposing an algorithm for acute and chronic cases.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Microbiology
Background:
- Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) diagnosis is challenging due to diverse clinical signs and prior antimicrobial exposure.
- Accurate PJI detection is crucial for effective treatment and patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review established and novel diagnostic procedures for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI).
- To propose a diagnostic algorithm for PJI in patients presenting with acute or chronic symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of invasive and non-invasive laboratory tests.
- Analysis of imaging procedures for PJI detection.
- Evaluation of novel techniques including implant sonication and molecular microbiology.
Main Results:
- Established diagnostic methods for PJI have limitations.
- Novel techniques like sonication and molecular methods show promise in improving pathogen detection.
- A comprehensive diagnostic algorithm integrating various methods is presented.
Conclusions:
- Accurate PJI diagnosis requires a multi-faceted approach combining traditional and innovative techniques.
- The proposed algorithm aims to standardize and improve PJI detection across different clinical scenarios.
- Further validation of novel diagnostic modalities is warranted.
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