Is there a role for preoperative joint aspiration prior to reimplantation during two-stage exchange for shoulder periprosthetic joint infection (PJI)?

Authors: Joseph J. King, Samer S Hasan
RECOMMENDATION: There is a dearth of information on the role of preoperative joint aspiration prior to second stage revision after treatment of shoulder PJI. Furthermore, several studies have pointed to the high incidence of “dry taps” and false negative cultures from joint aspirates. Thus, there is litt le evidence in support of routine preoperative aspiration prior to second stage reimplantation.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Limited
DELEGATE VOTE: Agree: 88%, Disagree: 4%, Abstain: 8% (Super Majority, Strong Consensus)