Beyond Cultures: The Evolving Role of Molecular Diagnostics, Synovial Biomarkers and Artificial Intelligence in the Diagnosis of Prosthetic Joint Infections.

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains a major complication in orthopedic surgery, with accurate and timely diagnosis being essential for optimal patient management. Traditional culture-based diagnostics are often limited by suboptimal sensitivity, especially in biofilm-associated and low-virulence infections. In recent years, non-culture-based methodologies have gained prominence. Molecular techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS), offer enhanced detection of microbial DNA, even in culture-negative cases, and enable precise pathogen identification. In parallel, extensive research has focused on biomarkers, including systemic (e.g., C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, D-dimer), synovial (e.g., alpha-defensin, calprotectin, interleukins), and pathogen-derived markers (e.g., D-lactate), the latter reflecting metabolic products secreted by microorganisms during infection. The development of multiplex platforms now allows for the simultaneous measurement of multiple synovial biomarkers, improving diagnostic accuracy and turnaround time. Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms into diagnostic workflows has opened new avenues for combining clinical, molecular, and biochemical data. These models can generate probability scores for PJI diagnosis with high accuracy, supporting clinical decision-making. While these technologies are still being validated for routine use, their convergence marks a significant step toward precision diagnostics in PJI, potentially improving early detection, reducing diagnostic uncertainty, and guiding targeted therapy.