Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 30, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancing Research on Candida albicans Biofilm-Associated Prosthetic Joint Infections
Published on: February 2, 2024
Detritic synovitis can mimic a Propionibacterium periprosthetic infection
Jacob D Gorbaty1, Robert M Lucas2, Frederick A Matsen3,4
1University of Washington School of Medicine, 4333 Brooklyn Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA. jgorbaty@uw.edu.
Purpose:
The purpose of this article is to illustrate that the clinical findings of detritic synovitis complicating a total shoulder arthroplasty can strongly resemble those of a 'stealth' periprosthetic shoulder infection with a low-virulence organism such as Propionibacterium.
Methods:
We present a review of the literature and illustrate an example of detritic synovitis following a total shoulder arthroplasty.
Results:
The combination of glenoid component loosening and humeral osteolysis after total shoulder arthroplasty are commonly attributed to periprosthetic infection with low virulence organisms, such as Propionibacterium or coagulase negative Staphylococcus. Such a periprosthetic infection can appear long after the index joint replacement. This article points out that these same findings may occur with a non-infectious process initiated by polyethylene, cement or metal debris-detritic synovitis.
Conclusions:
At present, the important differentiation between these two etiologies can only be ascertained by awaiting the results of cultures obtained at the time of revision surgery.
Related Concept Videos
Pericarditis I: Introduction
Structural Joints: Synovial Joints
Development of the Limb Synovial Joints
The mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into chondrocytes that form the hyaline cartilage, and later the cartilaginous model of the bone. This model further transforms into a bone. This process is known as endochondral ossification.
During development, the limbs...
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Endocarditis I: Introduction
Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
