The serum level of C-reactive protein alone cannot be used for the diagnosis of prosthetic joint infections, especially in those caused by organisms of low virulence

Abstract

The CRP level alone is not accurate as a screening tool for PJI and may yield high false-negative rates, especially if the causative organism has low virulence. Aspiration of the joint should be used for the diagnosis of PJI in patients with a chronic painful arthroplasty, irrespective of CRP level. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1482-86.