The Diagnosis and Management of Periprosthetic Joint Infections of the Shoulder

Periprosthetic joint infection of the shoulder is a rare complication of shoulder arthroplasty, which can have a profound effect on a patient׳s clinical outcome and function. The diagnosis and management of these infections is challenging, largely because of the unique microbiome of the shoulder. As current treatment strategies are based upon the infection literature in hip and knee arthroplasty, there is little evidence to support their effectiveness in the shoulder. Although there continues to be innovations in the diagnosis and treatment of this unique joint infection, improving the understanding of periprosthetic joint infection of the shoulder remains an active area of research.