Cell Count and Differential of Aspirated Fluid in the Diagnosis of Infection at the Site of Total Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract

The synovial fluid leukocyte count and differential are useful adjuncts to the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and the C-reactive protein level in the preoperative workup of infection at the site of a total knee arthroplasty. The present study identified cutoff values for the leukocyte count (>1100 cells/10(-3)cm(3)) and neutrophil percentage (>64%) that can be used to diagnose infection. Combining the peripheral blood tests with the synovial fluid cell count and differential can improve their diagnostic value.