What is the relevance of positive cultures in the evaluation for shoulder periprosthetic joint infection (PJI)? What defines a clinically relevant positive culture result(s) versus a culture contaminant?

Authors: Frederick Matsen, Andrew Green
RECOMMENDATION: Positive cultures in a patient with painful or failed shoulder prosthesis should be considered and treated appropriately based upon the clinical context and diagnostic criteria.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Moderate
DELEGATE VOTE: Agree: 100%, Disagree: 0%, Abstain: 0% (Unanimous, Strongest Consensus)