The Expanding Role of Biomarkers in Diagnosing Infection in Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Review of Current Literature

Abstract

Consistent diagnosis of periprosthetic infection in total joint arthroplasty continues to elude the orthopedic surgeonbecause no gold standard test exists. Therefore clinicians must rely on a combination of tests to help aid the diagnosis.The expanding role of biomarkers has shown promising results to more accurately diagnose an infection when combinedwith clinical suspicion and bacterial culture testing. This paper reviews the diagnostic capabilities of the most currentserum and synovial biomarkers as well as next generation sequencing in the setting of periprosthetic joint infection.Future research and high-powered studies will be necessary to determine sensitivity and specificity of each biomarker.Level of evidence: III