Contribution of laboratory tests, scintigraphy, and histology to the diagnosis of lower limb joint replacement infection.

Abstract

Acute phase reactants were more sensitive and more specific than the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The full scintigraphy protocol had 100% sensitivity and 87% specificity. Recovery of neutrophils by aspiration or during surgery was 100% specific in the absence of hematomas or rheumatoid arthritis. Sensitivity of the presence of neutrophils varied with the collection technique.