Abstract
There are unfortunately many reasons a TSA can be painful after implantation, but the most common reason is sepsis. Making the diagnosis can be a major challenge, but the biggest challenge is to think of that as a diagnosis! The most important steps are to first obtain plain radiographs one week after surgery so that you can compare subsequent radiographs to the immediate post-operative films. Progressive radiolucent lines in the glenoid or especially around the humerus are important hints. A loose humeral component is infected until proven otherwise. Next blood work to include CRP and ESR are critical. Other markers of infection have not been used on a widespread basis. If there is concern that there might be rotator cuff pathology and not sepsis, then we obtain an arthrogram CT scan at the time of aspiration. A cell count is helpful but often there is a dry tap. It is important to create a “p. acnes protocol” at your hospital to take cultures out 15 days. If still not sure and revision is necessary then we aspirate the joint at the time of surgery for cell count. The WBC cell count at the time of surgery keeps changing but over 3000 is considered diagnostic. Multiple specimens are sent for frozen section, culture and permanent section. The more WBC per high powered field the more likely there is an infection. Gram stains are worthless and we do not rely on them. We have no experience with implant sonification or use of IL-6.
