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This single-center retrospective study evaluated the diagnostic performance of the Synovasure alpha-defensin lateral flow (ADLF) test for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) compared to joint aspirate culture in 143 joints undergoing aspiration for suspected PJI. Synovasure demonstrated a sensitivity of 78.95%, specificity of 72.38%, and a high negative predictive value (90.48%). The findings suggest Synovasure is useful for ruling out PJI but has limitations as a confirmatory test.
Synovasure's high negative predictive value can help surgeons rule out PJI, potentially reducing unnecessary interventions, but its moderate sensitivity and specificity necessitate cautious interpretation alongside other diagnostic modalities.
Accurate diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is crucial for optimising treatment outcomes and reducing patient morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. This retrospective single-centre study assessed the diagnostic performance of the Synovasure alpha-defensin lateral flow (ADLF) test compared with conventional microbiological culture, which served as the reference standard. Between April 2016 and January 2019, 143 joints with suspected PJI underwent aspiration and Synovasure testing, with intraoperative tissue culture data included where available. The Synovasure ADLF test demonstrated a sensitivity of 78.95% and a specificity of 72.38%, indicating moderate diagnostic accuracy. Importantly, it achieved a high negative predictive value (90.48%), supporting its reliability in excluding infection, whereas the positive predictive value was lower (50.85%), limiting its utility as a confirmatory test when used in isolation. These findings suggest that while Synovasure provides rapid results and can be a valuable adjunct for ruling out infection, it should not replace established diagnostic methods. The test’s moderate sensitivity and specificity underline the need for cautious interpretation in clinical practice. Integrating Synovasure results with other diagnostic modalities, such as microbiological cultures, histopathology, and clinical assessment, remains essential for achieving accurate diagnosis and guiding appropriate management of PJI.
