How to Diagnosis Prosthetic Joint Infection

Joint aspiration should be obtained whenever there is a strong suspicion in order to confirm the diagnosis. The lab order request should include cell count and differential, crystals, gram stain as well as cultures and specificity. A positive test would be indicative of infection however a negative test does not rule out infection. Nonoperative management includes chronic suppressive antibiotic therapy which is indicated for acute infection defined as less than three weeks after surgery.