Is mean platelet volume a helpful parameter in diagnosing periprosthetic joint infection?

Introduction: Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) is encountered in the literature as a diagnostic marker used to monitor infectious and inflammatory events. We aimed to investigate whether or not there was a change in platelet and MPV parameters in patients diagnosed with periprosthetic join infection (PJI). Material and Methods: A total of 110 patients were included in the study, consisting of 37 (33.6%) patients with periprosthetic join infection, 38 (34.6%) patients with total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and 35 (31.8%) control group subjects. During the preoperative period and follow-up, MPV, platelet, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) values were assessed from routine laboratory tests. Statistical analyses of values between and within groups were conducted using Shapiro-Wilk test, One-way ANOVA, Bonferroni’s test, Pearson’s test, and Chi-square test. P<0.05 and p<0.01 values were considered statistically significant. Results: There was no statistically significant difference among the groups according to preoperative platelet and MPV values (p>0.05). Postoperative MPV levels were significantly lower and platelet, ESR and CRP levels were significantly high in the PJI group compared to both the control group and the TKA group (p<0.05). Conclusion: MPV is a useful laboratory parameter in the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection in patients.