Evaluating calprotectin levels in joint fluid to diagnose infections in artificial joints

Synovial Fluid Calprotectin Lateral Flow Test for the Diagnosis of Prosthetic Joint Infection

Observational Technical University of Munich · NCT05060952

This study is testing if measuring calprotectin levels in joint fluid can help doctors tell the difference between infections and other problems in artificial joints for people needing surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment500 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorTechnical University of Munich Academic / other
Locations1 site (Munich, Bavaria)
Trial IDNCT05060952 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to improve the diagnosis of prosthetic joint infections by comparing calprotectin levels in joint fluid from infected joints versus those with other complications. The study hypothesizes that higher levels of calprotectin in infected joints can aid in distinguishing infections from other issues like loosening or instability. Participants will be individuals scheduled for arthroplasty exchange due to various complications, excluding those with acute infections. The calprotectin lateral flow test will be utilized to assess the inflammatory protein levels.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients scheduled for arthroplasty exchange due to infection, loosening, instability, malalignment, or periprosthetic fracture.

Not a fit: Patients with acute prosthetic joint infections may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate and timely diagnoses of prosthetic joint infections, potentially reducing the need for unnecessary surgeries.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using calprotectin for diagnosis is promising, it is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in similar studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* scheduled arthroplasty exchange for any of the following reasons:
* infection
* loosening
* instability
* malalignment
* periprosthetic fracture

Exclusion Criteria:

* acute prosthetic joint infection

Where this trial is running

Munich, Bavaria

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Prosthetic Joint InfectionProsthetic InfectionArthroplasty Complications
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.