Current relevance of biomarkers in diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection: an update

Arthroplasty. 2023 Aug 1;5(1):41. doi: 10.1186/s42836-023-00192-5.

Abstract

With a significant rise in the number of arthroplasty procedures performed worldwide, the increasing revision burden posed by periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a matter of growing concern. In spite of various attempts to diagnose PJI, there are no defined tests that can be called a gold standard. Given the importance of early diagnosis in PJI, newer tests and biomarkers have been introduced to improve cumulative diagnostic accuracy. Novel biomarkers like calprotectin, lipocalcin, monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-mean platelet volume ratio have demonstrated a potential as diagnostic biomarkers for PJI. This article discusses the relevance of available and newly described diagnostic biomarkers to provide a perspective on the practical applicability in current medical practice, as well as highlights some recent advances in biomarkers for the diagnosis of PJI.

Keywords: Biomarkers; Diagnosis; Periprosthetic joint infection; Serum; Synovial.

Publication types

  • Review