Detritic synovitis can mimic a Propionibacterium periprosthetic infection

Purpose The purpose of this article is to illustrate that the clinical findings of detritic synovitis complicating a total shoulder arthroplasty can strongly resemble those of a 'stealth' periprosthetic shoulder infection with a low-virulence organism such as Propionibacterium. Methods We present a review of the literature and illustrate an example of detritic synovitis following a total shoulder arthroplasty. Results The combination of glenoid component loosening and humeral osteolysis after total shoulder arthroplasty are commonly attributed to periprosthetic infection with low virulence organisms, such as Propionibacterium or coagulase negative Staphylococcus. Such a periprosthetic infection can appear long after the index joint replacement. This article points out that these same findings may occur with a non-infectious process initiated by polyethylene, cement or metal debris-detritic synovitis. Conclusions At present, the important differentiation between these two etiologies can only be ascertained by awaiting the results of cultures obtained at the time of revision surgery.