Diagnosis of Periprosthetic Joint Infection

Due to the varying clinical presentations of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), the diagnosis of PJI can be challenging. Although the identification of several promising serological and synovial markers has improved diagnostic confidence in recent years, we are yet to identify a single “gold-standard” test that possess absolute accuracy for the diagnosis of this complication. Hence, it is important to employ high index of suspicion in all patients presenting with a painful prosthesis after total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Furthermore, as the annual volume of TJA procedures continues to expand, the burden of subsequent infection is also expected to increase.