Sonication: A Valuable Technique for Diagnosis and Treatment of Periprosthetic Joint Infections. (10th October 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Evangelopoulos, D. S.; Stathopoulos, I. P.; Morassi, G. P.; Koufos, S.; Albarni, A.; Karampinas, P. K.; Stylianakis, A.; Kohl, S.; Pneumaticos, S.; Vlamis, J.
• Other Names: Kim S.-Y. Academic Editor.; Lee M. S. Academic Editor.; Mow C. S. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: TheScientificWorldjournal. Volume 2013(2013)
• Publication Date: 2013-10-10
• Subjects: Science -- Periodicals; Technology -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; 505
• DOI: 10.1155/2013/375140
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2356-6140

Abstract

Abstract : Background . Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is the most severe complication, following joint arthroplasty. Identification of the causal microbial factor is of paramount importance for the successful treatment. Purpose . The aim of this study is to compare the sonication fluid cultures derived from joint prosthetic components with the respective periprosthetic tissue cultures. Methods . Explanted prosthesis components for suspected infection were placed into a tank containing sterile Ringer's solution and sonicated for 1 minute at 40 kHz. Sonication fluid cultures were examined for 10 days, and the number and identity of any colony morphology was recorded. In addition, periprosthetic tissue specimens (>5) were collected and cultured according to standard practice. The duration of antimicrobial interruption interval before culture sampling was recorded. Results . Thirty-four patients composed the study group. Sonication fluid cultures were positive in 24 patients (70.5%). Sixteen of thirty four periprosthetic tissue cultures (47.1%) were considered positive, all revealing the same microbial species with the respective sonication fluid cultures: 3 tissue samples showed polymicrobial infection. All tissue cultures were also found positive by the sonication fluid culture. Conclusions . Sonication fluid cultures represent a cheap, easy, accurate, and sensitive diagnostic modality demonstrating increased sensitivity compared to periprosthetic tissue cultures (70.5 versus 47.1%).