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Pesante BD, Salimi M, Miller WL, Young HL, Jenkins TC, Parry JA. The Effect of Crystal Arthropathy on the Diagnostic Criteria of Native Septic Arthritis. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2024; 32:570-575. [PMID: 38652879 DOI: 10.5435/jaaos-d-23-00857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Distinguishing between septic arthritis and crystal arthropathy flares can be challenging. The purpose of this study was to determine how the presence of synovial crystals affects the diagnostic criteria of septic arthritis. METHODS A retrospective review identified patients undergoing joint aspirations to rule out native septic arthritis. Differences between septic arthritis presenting with and without synovial crystals were analyzed. A receiver-operating characteristic curve was plotted for laboratory markers to determine the area under the curve, or diagnostic accuracy, for septic arthritis and to evaluate thresholds that maximized sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS There were 302 joint aspirations in 267 patients. Septic arthritis was diagnosed in 17.9% (54/302). Patients with synovial crystals were less likely to have septic arthritis (4.2% [5/119] vs. 26.8% [49/183], P < 0.0001). Septic arthritis in patients with no synovial crystals was associated with fever and a higher synovial white blood cell (WBC) count, synovial polymorphonuclear cell percentage (PMN%), serum WBC, and C-reactive protein (CRP) ( P < 0.05). Septic arthritis in patients with synovial crystals was only associated with inability to bear weight and a higher synovial WBC and CRP ( P < 0.05). Synovial PMN% was considered nondiagnostic of septic arthritis (area under the curve 0.56) in patients with crystals while synovial WBC and CRP had acceptable (0.76) and excellent (0.83) diagnostic utility, respectively. The WBC and CRP value thresholds that maximized sensitivity and specificity for septic arthritis were greater in patients with crystals (21,600 vs. 17,954 cells/μL and 125 vs. 69 mg/L, respectively). DISCUSSION The presence of synovial crystals reduced the likelihood of septic arthritis and altered the laboratory diagnostic criteria. PMN% was nondiagnostic in the setting of synovial crystals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D Pesante
- From the Department of Orthopaedics (Pesante, Salimi, and Parry) and the Department of Medicine - Infectious Disease (Miller, Young, and Jenkins), Denver Health Medical Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, CO
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Jetanalin P, Raksadawan Y, Inboriboon PC. Orthopedic Articular and Periarticular Joint Infections. Emerg Med Clin North Am 2024; 42:249-265. [PMID: 38641390 DOI: 10.1016/j.emc.2024.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Acute nontraumatic joint pain has an extensive differential. Emergency physicians must be adept at identifying limb and potentially life-threatening infection. Chief among these is septic arthritis. In addition to knowing how these joint infections typically present, clinicians need to be aware of host and pathogen factors that can lead to more insidious presentations and how these factors impact the interpretation of diagnostic tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pim Jetanalin
- Department Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Illinois at College of Medicine, 818 South Wolcott Avenue, 6th Floor, MC 733, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
| | - Yanint Raksadawan
- Department of Medicine, Weiss Memorial Hospital, Medical Education, 4646 N. Marine Drive, Chicago, IL 60640, USA
| | - Pholaphat Charles Inboriboon
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Illinois at College of Medicine, 808 South Wood Street MC 724, Chicago, IL, USA
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Puzzitiello RN, Lipson SE, Michaud RG, York BR, Finch DJ, Menendez ME, Ryan SP, Wurcel AG, Salzler MJ. Effect of Antibiotic Administration Before Joint Aspiration on Synovial Fluid White Blood Cell Count in Native Joint Septic Arthritis. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofad600. [PMID: 38221984 PMCID: PMC10787370 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background This study was performed to assess the impact of preaspiration antibiotics on synovial fluid analysis and timing of operative treatment in native-joint septic arthritis. Methods We performed a retrospective record review of adult patients from an urban level 1 trauma center with native joint septic arthritis in 2015-2019, identified by means of codes from the International Classification of Diseases (Ninth Revision and Tenth Revision). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine whether antibiotics were associated with lower synovial fluid white blood cell counts (WBCs), the percentage of polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMNs), and rate of culture positivity. Secondary analysis included time elapsed from aspiration to surgery. Results Of the 126 patients with septic joints included, nearly two-thirds (n = 80 [63.5%]) received antibiotics before joint aspiration. The synovial fluid WBC count, percentage of PMNs, and rate of culture positivity were significantly lower in patients who received preaspiration antibiotics than in those who did not (mean WBC count, 51 379.1/μL [standard deviation, 52 576.3/μL] vs 92 162.7/μL [59 330.6/μL], respectively [P < .001]; PMN percentage, 83.6% [20.5%] vs 91.9% [6.0%; P = .01]; and culture positivity, 32.5% vs 59.1% [P = .008]). Multivariable analyses revealed that these associations remained after controlling for potential confounders (change in PMNs, -42 784.60/μL [95% confidence interval, -65 355/μL to -20 213.90/μL [P < .001]; change in PMNs, -7.8% [-13.7% to -1.8%] [P = .01]; odds ratio, 0.39 [.18-.87; P = .02). Patients with a synovial fluid WBC count ≤50 000/μL experienced significant delay in time from joint aspiration to operative intervention (mean [standard deviation], 10.5 [11.3] vs 17.9 [17.2] hours; P = .02). Conclusions The administration of antibiotics before joint aspiration for suspected septic arthritis appears to decrease the synovial fluid WBC count, the percentage of PMNs, and the rate of culture positivity. Efforts to limit antibiotic administration before joint aspiration are important to minimize diagnostic dilemmas and circumvent treatment delays.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sophie E Lipson
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Benjamin R York
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel J Finch
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mariano E Menendez
- Department of Orthopedics, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Scott P Ryan
- Department of Orthopedics, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alysse G Wurcel
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthew J Salzler
- Department of Orthopedics, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Skalitzky MK, Henrichsen JL, Noiseux NO. Predicting Septic Arthritis in the Setting of Crystalline Arthropathy in the Native Joint Using Laboratory Data. THE IOWA ORTHOPAEDIC JOURNAL 2024; 44:69-72. [PMID: 38919362 PMCID: PMC11195883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Background Septic arthritis is an orthopedic emergency. Diagnosis is difficult in patients with concomitant crystalline arthropathy (gout or pseudogout). The symptomatology of crystal arthritis mimics septic arthritis, clouding clinical diagnosis. Arthrocentesis and synovial fluid analysis are the standard diagnostic tests for both pathologies. Crystals on microscopy are diagnostic of crystal arthritis, however their presence does not rule out septic arthritis. Septic arthritis is diagnosed by positive microbiology culture. Though septic arthritis is associated with elevated synovial total nucleated count (TNC), TNC elevations can also occur with gout. The literature suggests that a TNC count of > 50,000 cells in a crystal-positive joint should raise suspicion for concurrent septic arthritis, however data is limited. Further diagnostic indicators are needed to help clinicians promptly identify crystal positive septic arthritis as the treatments and prognoses are different. Methods Patients were retrospectively identified who had arthrocentesis of a native joint positive for monosodium urate (MSU) and/or (CPPD) crystals. Laboratory data was collected including synovial fluid cultures, total nucleated cell count (TNC), percent polymorphic neutrophils (%PMN), and crystal analysis; and serum CRP, ESR, and white blood cell count (WBC). Statistical analysis performed using Spearman correlation, Univariate-Fischer's exact and Wilcoxon tests, and multivariate analysis. Results 442 joints identified with positive CPPD and/or MSU crystals, 31% female, 69% male. Of 442 aspirates, 58 had positive cultures. Patients were more likely to have positive cultures if synovial TNC > 50,000 (odds ratio 7.7), CRP > 10 mg/dL (OR 3.2), PMN > 90% (OR 2.17), and if the patient was female (OR 1.9), all were statistically significant with p < 0.05. There were 55 patients who underwent irrigation and debridement based on clinical suspicion or a positive gram stain, 37 of these ultimately had a positive culture (67%), the remaining 18 had negative cultures. Conclusion Results are consistent with the literature, a TNC > 50,000 warrants a high suspicion for concurrent septic arthritis and should prompt providers to critically evaluate other patient laboratory data. Results further suggests that a patient with positive crystals, synovial TNC > 50,000 cells, PMN > 90%, and serum CRP > 10mg/dL is at high risk for having a concurrent septic arthritis and may warrant urgent irrigation and debridement and antibiotic therapy. This data serves as a supporting to develop an infection risk calculator for crystal positive septic arthritis. Level of Evidence: III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Kate Skalitzky
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Jacob L. Henrichsen
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Nicolas O. Noiseux
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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Eren TK, Aktekin CN. How reliable are the synovial cell count and blood parameters in the diagnosis of septic arthritis? Jt Dis Relat Surg 2023; 34:724-730. [PMID: 37750279 PMCID: PMC10546839 DOI: 10.52312/jdrs.2023.1222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to investigate the reliability of the joint fluid cell count and blood parameters compared to the culture results in the diagnosis of septic arthritis (SA). PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 192 patients (112 males, 80 females, mean age: 60.3±19.2 years; range, 18 to 98 years) who presented with SA between January 2018 and July 2022 were evaluated retrospectively. The recorded joint fluid cell count, complete blood count (CBC), white blood cell (WBC) count, serum erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and culture results were analyzed comparatively according to SA diagnosis. RESULTS The most commonly involved joint was the knee joint (82.3%), which was affected in 158 patients. Thirty-six (18.8%) of the patients who underwent joint aspiration had positive culture result. The cultures were positive in 10 (35.7%) of 28 patients with synovial WBC value greater than 50,000/mm3, while 26 (15.9%) of 164 patients with a synovial WBC value less than 50,000/mm3 had positive culture results (p=0.013). CONCLUSION Patients with SA may present variable blood and synovial parameters. Making decision based on the commonly used synovial WBC count cut-off value of 50,000/mm3 may lead to misdiagnosis. To avoid misdiagnosis or delay in treatment, it is of utmost importance not to exclude the diagnosis acutely, and suspicion of SA should remain even with unlikely values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toygun Kağan Eren
- Ankara Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi, Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji Kliniği, 06230 Altındağ, Ankara, Türkiye.
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Holbrook HS, Calandruccio JH. Management of Gout in the Hand and Wrist. Orthop Clin North Am 2023; 54:299-308. [PMID: 37271558 DOI: 10.1016/j.ocl.2023.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Gout, or monosodium urate deposition disease, is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis that affects almost 4% of adults in the United States.Medical management involves lifestyle modifications and urate-lowering therapy to reduce the frequency of gout flares, decrease the tophi size, and improve upper extremity function. Goals for surgical management of gout include functional optimization, symptomatic treatment, and cosmetic restoration.This article focuses on the medical and surgical treatment of the common manifestations of gout in the upper extremity including tophi, tenosynovitis, joint contractures, neural compression, and arthropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayden S Holbrook
- Campbell Clinic Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA.
| | - James H Calandruccio
- Campbell Clinic Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
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Sung K, Zheng K, Williams C, Cunningham D, Sussman WI. Pseudoseptic reaction to an intra-articular platelet-rich plasma injection into the knee: a case report. Regen Med 2023. [PMID: 37183432 DOI: 10.2217/rme-2022-0216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
A variety of intra-articular injections are used for the management of osteoarthritis. A rare complication of intra-articular injections is acute pseudoseptic arthritis, which mimics true septic arthritis. To the authors knowledge, pseudosepsis has not been reported as a complication after platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. We present a case report of pseudoseptic arthritis resulting in acute postinjection pain and a joint effusion after an intra-articular PRP injection into the knee. Clinically, pseudosepsis can occur after PRP treatment with significantly elevated white blood cell counts in the synovial fluid, and should be a consideration in cases of post-PRP injection flares.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyungje Sung
- Department of Orthopedics & Rehabilitation, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Kevin Zheng
- Department of Orthopedics & Rehabilitation, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Chris Williams
- Interventional Orthopedics of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30305, USA
| | - David Cunningham
- Infinity Men's Health & Regenerative Medicine, Mansfield, MA 02048, USA
| | - Walter I Sussman
- Department of Orthopedics & Rehabilitation, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA
- Boston Sports & Biologics, Wellesley, MA 02481, USA
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The Alpha-Defensin Prosthetic Joint Infection Test Has Poor Validity for Native Knee Joint Infection. J Arthroplasty 2021; 36:2957-2961. [PMID: 33896668 DOI: 10.1016/j.arth.2021.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The alpha-defensin test known as Synovaure has been very effective in diagnosis of prosthetic joint infections (PJIs). Being able to easily and accurately differentiate septic and inflammatory arthropathies in native joints would improve diagnostic workup and management. We tested the ability of an alpha-defensin test to distinguish septic from inflammatory or crystalline arthropathy in the native knee. METHODS 40 native knee joint fluid specimens were tested with cell count, fluid analysis, and culture and alpha-defensin testing. We determined the sensitivity and specificity of the alpha-defensin test using culture-positive fluid as the gold standard for septic arthropathy and positive crystals as the gold standard for crystalline arthropathy. RESULTS The Synovasure PJI test had 100% specificity for septic arthritis coupled with a 28% false-positive rate when applied to native knee aspirations. False-positive rate was 5.3 times higher in patients with crystals found in the joint fluid. CONCLUSION Alpha-defensin testing, in the form of the Synovasure PJI test, has a high-false-positive rate when used to distinguish septic and inflammatory arthritis in the native knee joint. Future work will need to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the newer native joint panel. Clinicians should be cognizant of the specific alpha-defensin test used when sampling native knee synovial fluid.
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