An update about molecular biology techniques to detect orthopaedic implant-related infections

Abstract

Despite different criteria to diagnose a prosthetic joint infection (PJI), aetiological diagnosis of the causing microorganism remains essential to guide treatment. Molecular-biology-based PJI diagnosis is progressing (faster, higher specificity) in different techniques, from the experimental laboratory into clinical use. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction techniques (custom- made or commercial) provide satisfactory results in clinical series of cases, with specificity close to 100% and sensitivity over 70–80%. Next-generation metagenomics may increase sensitivity while maintaining high specificity. Molecular biology techniques may represent, in the next five years, a significant transformation of the currently available microbiological diagnosis in PJI.