The last decade has seen the crossover of basic molecular research techniqu
es toward clinical application. The use of molecular diagnostics originally
was driven by the desire to identify unculturable or fastidious pathogens.
Success in this setting has led to new applications aimed at identifying o
rganisms involved in musculoskeletal infection, Recently, polymerase chain
reaction techniques have been investigated as to their efficacy in diagnosi
ng septic arthritis and periprosthetic infection. This paper will offer an
introduction to molecular diagnostics, a brief review of several techniques
, and update their status in the diagnosis of musculoskeletal infection.