Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in the Infected Total Knee Arthroplasty

The diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) continues to be a widely debated and researched topic worldwide. Several diagnostic tools are currently available for PJI, and new ones continue to be added to the available options to the clinician. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a molecular biology technique that is used as a diagnostic modality in periprosthetic joint infection. In this chapter, we discuss indications, advantages and limitations of this molecular diagnostic technology.