Karsten D. Ottink
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Stefan J. Gelderman
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Marjan Wouthuyzen-Bakker
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Joris J. W. Ploegmakers
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Andor W. J. M. Glaudemans
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...
Abstract. Background: A low-grade periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) may present without
specific symptoms, and its diagnosis remains a challenge. Three-phase bone scintigraphy (TPBS) and white blood cell (WBC) scintigraphy are
incorporated into recently introduced diagnostic criteria for PJI, but their exact value in diagnosing low-grade PJI in patients with nonspecific
symptoms remains unclear.
Methods:
In this retrospective study, we evaluated patients with a prosthetic joint
of the hip or knee who underwent TPBS and/or WBC scintigraphy between 2009 and 2016 because of nonspecific symptoms. We reviewed and calculated
diagnostic accuracy of the TPBS and/or WBC scintigraphy to diagnose or
exclude PJI. PJI was defined based on multiple cultures obtained during
revision surgery. In patients who did not undergo revision surgery, PJI was
ruled out by clinical follow-up of at least 2 years absent of clinical signs of infection based on MSIS 2011 criteria.
Results:
A total of 373 patients were evaluated, including 340 TPBSs and 142 WBC scintigraphies. Thirteen patients (3.5 %) were diagnosed with a PJI. TPBS sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) were 71 %, 65 %, 8 % and 98 %, respectively. Thirty-five percent of TPBS showed
increased uptake. Stratification for time intervals between the index
arthroplasty and the onset of symptoms did not alter its diagnostic
accuracy. WBC scintigraphy sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were 30 %, 90 %, 25 % and 94 %, respectively.
Conclusion:
Nuclear imaging does not have clear added value in patients with low a
priori chance of periprosthetic joint infection.