Shoulder and elbow arthroplasty are effective treatments for patients with primary or secondary arthritis. Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following total shoulder and elbow arthroplasty, though rare, can lead to severe complications demanding timely diagnosis and intervention. Despite a lower incidence compared to hip and knee replacements, shoulder and elbow arthroplasty procedures pose unique challenges in managing PJI, with higher associated morbidity and costs. The epidemiology of shoulder PJI reveals varying incidence rates, with inverse total shoulder arthroplasty demonstrating a higher risk compared to anatomical variants. Further PJI risk factors include revision surgeries, steroid injections, and prior non-arthroplasty shoulder surgeries. The risk factors for elbow PJI do not significantly differ from well-known general risk factors in other PJI locations. Diagnostic criteria, including confirmatory and suggestive indicators, have been established to aid in identifying shoulder and elbow PJI cases. The clinical manifestation, which may be less evident due to the involvement of low-virulence organisms causing PJI, typically involves symptoms such as pain, sinus tracts, and stiffness. Inflammatory markers, radiological assessments, synovial aspirate, and microbiological profiles contribute to diagnostic accuracy. Surgical management includes Debridement, Antibiotics, and Implant Retention (DAIR), one- and two-stage exchange procedures. Further, salvage options such as resection arthroplasty, arthrodesis, and antibiotic suppression are considered in cases of treatment-resistant PJI. In conclusion, recognizing the unique challenges posed by shoulder and elbow PJI is essential for effective management. The establishment of standardized diagnostic criteria, treatment strategies, and comprehensive research efforts in this field are critical steps toward improving patient outcomes.