The aim of this study was to compare the results of 16S/28S rRNA sequencing with the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) level, and synovial fluid analysis in the diagnosis of prosthetic joint infection (PJI). Between September 2015 and August 2016, 214 consecutive patients were enrolled. In the study population, there were 25 patients with a PJI and 189 controls. Of the PJI patients, 14 (56%) were women, and the mean age at the time of diagnosis was 65 years (38 to 83). The ESR and CRP levels were measured, and synovial fluid specimens were collected prospectively. Synovial fluid was subjected to reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)/sequence analysis targeting the 16S/28S rRNA, and to conventional culture. Laboratory personnel who were blind to the clinical information performed all tests. The diagnosis of PJI was based on the criteria of the Musculoskeletal Infection Society.Aims
Patients and Methods
