Joint aspiration for diagnosis of chronic periprosthetic joint infection: when, how, and what tests?

Diagnosing chronic periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) requires clinical suspicion in combination with both serological and synovial fluid tests, the results of which are generally applied to validated scoring systems or consensus definitions for PJI. As no single “gold standard” test exists, the diagnosis becomes challenging, especially in the setting of negative cultures or equivocal test results. This review aims to address the workup of chronic PJI and considerations for clinical evaluation to guide treatment. Following aspiration of the joint in question, a multitude of tests has been developed in an attempt to assist with diagnosis, including cell synovial white blood cell count, gram stain, cultures, leukocyte esterase, alpha-defensin, synovial C-reactive protein, multiplex polymerase chain reaction, next-generation sequencing, and interleukins. Each test has advantages and disadvantages and should be used in conjunction with the overall clinical picture to guide further clinical evaluation and treatment in this complex patient population.