The use of polymerase chain reaction in the diagnosis and management of prosthetic joint infections: a debatable issues at this time

Joint replacement surgery is increasing due to its success in decreasing pain and restoring function. Prosthetic joint infections (PJI) is one of the most detrimental complications of the surgery. These infections can either be acute or chronic and can be caused by a variety of organisms. Effective and efficient identification of the cause of infection is vital so that proper treatment can be provided. The use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a possibility for diagnosis and management of PJI with a reduction in the use of incorrect antibiotics. This is due to its ability to quickly diagnosis viral, bacterial, rickettsia, mycobacterial, and protozoal infection in hours. It also has high sensitivity and specificity even with antimicrobial usage and biofilm production. However, more studies need to be done in order to be able to classify it as a possible gold standard