Image-guided synovial biopsy with a focus on infection

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Radiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Synovial biopsy is crucial for diagnosing joint infections.
• Traditional surgical and arthroscopic biopsies are invasive and costly.
• Image-guided biopsy offers a safer, more accessible alternative.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the historical context and evolution of synovial biopsy for joint infections.
• To highlight the role of image-guided biopsy in diagnosing native and periprosthetic joint infections (PJI).
• To discuss pathogens, techniques, pitfalls, and the integration of synovial biopsy into patient management frameworks.

Main Methods:

• Review of historical and current literature on synovial biopsy techniques.
• Focus on ultrasound and X-ray-guided methods.
• Analysis of diagnostic yield and clinical utility in PJI.

Main Results:

• Image-guided synovial biopsy is a safe procedure with high diagnostic yield.
• It is increasingly utilized by radiologists for diagnosing joint infections.
• This technique aids in guiding surgical and microbiological management.

Conclusions:

• Image-guided synovial biopsy is a valuable tool for diagnosing joint infections, especially PJI.
• It offers advantages over traditional invasive methods.
• Its integration into multidisciplinary care pathways optimizes patient management.