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Serological Markers of Infection in the Infected Total Knee Arthroplasty

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The Infected Total Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract

Diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is challenging as no perfect test for it exists. Often a combination of serological, synovial, microbiological, histological, and radiological investigations is performed that are expensive, invasive, and imperfect. Serum biomarkers are dependable diagnostic tools given the low-risk nature and ease of collecting blood that aid in the diagnosis of PJI. However, it must be noted they are not without limitations. This chapter will focus on current serological markers and their efficacy in diagnosing PJI. Routine workup for PJI involves the measurements of serum white blood cell (WBC) count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP). The combination of ESR and CRP is very effective to “rule out” PJI. Additional biomarkers such as IL-6, IL-4, TNF-alpha, procalcitonin, and siCAM1 have also shown value in the diagnosis of PJI. Scientific investigation continues to work toward a “gold standard” serum test for the diagnosis of PJI.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Rothman Institute at Thomas Jefferson University, 125 S. 9th Street, Suite 1000, Sheridan Building, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA

    Alexander J. Rondon M.D., M.B.A, Timothy L. Tan & Javad Parvizi

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  1. Alexander J. Rondon M.D., M.B.A
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  2. Timothy L. Tan
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  3. Javad Parvizi
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Correspondence to Alexander J. Rondon M.D., M.B.A .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain

    E. Carlos Rodríguez-Merchán

  2. University College London Hospitals , London, United Kingdom

    Sam Oussedik

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Rondon, A.J., Tan, T.L., Parvizi, J. (2018). Serological Markers of Infection in the Infected Total Knee Arthroplasty. In: Rodríguez-Merchán, E., Oussedik, S. (eds) The Infected Total Knee Arthroplasty. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-66730-0_9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-66730-0_9

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

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  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-66730-0

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