Editorial Commentary: In Search of the Optimal Diagnostic Tool for Periprosthetic Joint Infections of the Shoulder

Abstract

A number of perioperative diagnostic tests are currently available to evaluate for the presence of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in painful shoulder arthroplasties. However, data on the utility of these tests are more limited in the shoulder, with worse diagnostic performance compared with the evaluation of hip and knee PJI because of the low virulence of the commonly cultured shoulder organisms, such as Cutibacterium acnes. Diagnostic arthroscopy with culturing of arthroscopic tissue samples may allow for a more definitive diagnosis and treatment planning in patients with shoulder PJI prior to revision shoulder arthroplasty, but data on the efficacy of this procedure have been limited.