Evaluation of a syndromic panel polymerase chain reaction (spPCR) assay for the diagnosis of device-associated bone and joint infections (BJI).

Objective: Pathogen detection is crucial for diagnosis and targeted therapy in implant-associated bone and joint infections (BJI). Culture-based microbiology regularly fails to identify causative pathogens. This study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy and clinical usefulness of a syndromic panel polymerase chain reaction (spPCR) assay targeting common BJI pathogens in tissue specimens from patients with implant-associated BJI.

Functional outcome of septic arthritis after anterior cruciate ligament surgery.

Purpose: Septic arthritis is a rare complication after cruciate ligament surgery. The lack of conclusive evidence makes it difficult to obtain a consensus concerning the best treatment option.

Methods: From June 1993 to May 2010, 31 patients met the inclusion criteria for this prospective case series.

Is non-union of tibial shaft fractures due to nonculturable bacterial pathogens? A clinical investigation using PCR and culture techniques.

Background: Non-union continues to be one of the orthopedist's greatest challenges. Despite effective culture methods, the detection of low-grade infection in patients with non-union following tibial fracture still presents a challenge. We investigated whether "aseptic" tibial non-union can be the result of an unrecognized infection.

Osteitis and Septic Arthritis after Tibial Head Fracture: Results of a Radical Treatment Regime.

Objectives: We report a series of 37 consecutive patients with both bone infection and septic arthritis of the knee following fracture of the proximal tibia. Aim of this study is to evaluate treatment results using a standardized treatment regime. The treatment regime consisted of an aggressive surgical approach to both the bone and the joint.