INTRA-OPERATIVE MICROBIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION INTO PROSTHETIC JOINT INFECTIONS: SONICATION BRINGS ADDED VALUE BUT IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR TRADITIONAL SAMPLING

AimDiagnosing prosthetic joint infections(PJI) is sometimes difficult. Being able to identify the bacteria involved in intraoperative samples is an essential diagnostic criterion.There are however some cases in which the traditional cultures are not capable of providing a definitive diagnosis. In this regard, implant sonication has emerged as a complementary test.The aim of this study was to analyze the results of microbiological studies obtained with and without implants sonication, in order to understand its real contribution to diagnosis.MethodWe retrospectively evaluated all cases of infected total hip or knee arthroplasty surgically treated between January 2009 and December 2013. The definition of infection met the criteria set out recently in the international consensus meeting.The number and type of bacteria identified in each patient and the type of microbiological study made were registered.Two different groups were created, with and without sonication, and the results were compared.ResultsIn a t...