Lipopolysaccharide-binding protein: a valuable biomarker in the differentiation between periprosthetic joint infection and aseptic loosening?

Purpose: The pre-operative differentiation between periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) and aseptic loosening after total hip (THA) or knee (TKA) arthroplasty is essential for successful therapy and relies in part on the use of molecular markers. The objective of this study was to assess serum levels of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) as a diagnostic tool for PJI and to compare its accuracy with standard tests.

Methods: One hundred and twenty patients presenting with a painful TKA or TKA with indication for surgical revision were included in this prospective, controlled, clinical trial at a single centre.

Interleukin-6 in serum and in synovial fluid enhances the differentiation between periprosthetic joint infection and aseptic loosening.

The preoperative differentiation between septic and aseptic loosening after total hip or knee arthroplasty is essential for successful therapy and relies in part on biomarkers. The objective of this study was to assess synovial and serum levels of inflammatory proteins as diagnostic tool for periprosthetic joint infection and compare their accuracy with standard tests. 120 patients presenting with a painful knee or hip endoprosthesis for surgical revision were included in this prospective trial.