Plasma d-Dimer Levels in Non-prosthetic Orthopaedic Implant Infection: Can it Aid Diagnosis?

Purpose d -Dimer estimation has been proposed as a reliable biomarker in prosthetic joint infections. Its role in non-prosthetic orthopaedic implant infections has, however, not been studied. The objectives of this study were to assess the levels of plasma d -Dimer in non-prosthetic orthopaedic implant infection. The diagnostic efficiency of d -dimer on orthopaedic implant-related infection was evaluated. Methods The study was designed as a cross-sectional comparative study. Patients who presented with orthopaedic implant-related infection as diagnosed by modified MSIS criteria were allocated to case group ( n = 49) and patients who underwent surgical procedures with orthopaedic implants with no evidence of infection at 6 weeks postoperatively were allocated to the control group ( n = 48). Serum d -Dimer levels were assessed quantitatively using immunoturbidimetric assays in both groups and compared between both groups. Results The mean (± SD) value of serum d -Dimer in case group was 0.64 (± 0.45) μg/ml and control group was 0.77 (± 0.47) μg/ml. No significant difference was found in serum d -Dimer levels between cases and control groups ( p value = 0.183). The diagnostic accuracy of d -dimer in orthopaedic implant-related infection also could not be demonstrated. Conclusion The findings of d -dimer as a marker for the diagnosis of prosthetic joint infections cannot be extrapolated to non-prosthetic orthopaedic implant infection.