Journal of Bone and Joint Infection (Nov 2018)
Accuracy of Synovial Leukocyte and Polymorphonuclear Cell Count in Patients with Shoulder Prosthetic Joint Infection
Abstract
Joint aspiration in suspected infected implants is a validated diagnostic method in establishing the diagnosis of prosthetic joint infection (PJI). Cut-off values for synovial leukocyte counts and differentials are well described for patients with hip and knee PJI. In 19 failed shoulder implants, a leucocyte count of >12.2 G/L had a sensitivity and specificity of 92% and 100% respectively; A differential of >54% neutrophils had a sensitivity of 100 % and a specificity of 75%.