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Incidence of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative infections has risen alarmingly all across the globe, both in developed and developing countries alike. The purpose of this study was to assess whether challenges of life-threatening infections with very high resistance pattern can be successfully addressed by a modified approach.This is a retrospective study of 26 patients with osteoarticular and soft tissue infections with carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacilli treated between 2001 and 2017 with at least two year follow-up after stopping antibiotics. All were treated by a multispecialty team approach with primary aim of "source control at the earliest and avoiding recurrence at all cost". The protocol involved opting for early compromises especially in at "risk individuals", such as resorting to early amputations, especially if salvage meant multiple bony and soft tissue reconstructive procedures, explanation of prosthesis than staged revision, avoiding internal fixations, opting for shortest possible time in external fixators with reshaping and telescoping bone ends to get bony stability and increase surface area even if it meant compromising length.There were five amputations, two excision arthroplasty of hip, many minor but acceptable malunions and shortening. However, lives of 24/26 patients could be salvaged, much better than most of the published data. The two patients who died had peri-prosthetic joint infection after total hip arthroplasty and presented very late in sepsis and died within days of explantation. Infection remission could be achieved in remaining patients.These "risk to life" cases can be successfully treated by lowering the aims and expectations from "excellent function to salvage of life and infection remission". Therein lies the "success" in these complex high-risk cases.

Introduction: Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections of the musculoskeletal system are commonly missed due to their rarity and the absence of systemic symptoms. Here, we present a rare case of NTM infection following repair of an avulsed pectoralis major tendon in an immunocompetent host managed by a multi-disciplinary team specializing in musculoskeletal infections. Case Report: A 23-year-old male patient presented with discharging sinus in the right axilla for 6 months. He sustained the right pectoralis major muscle avulsion following an accident which was surgically repaired using FiberWire® and endo buttons. He developed a discharging sinus 4-month post-surgery. He presented with persistent infection in spite of empirical antibiotics elsewhere. Radiographs and MRI sonogram showed intra-medullar endo buttons in the proximal humerus with marginal pus collection in the axillary region with minimal medial extension into pectoralis major and minor muscles along the superior aspect. A detailed plan was made with inputs from a multidisciplinary bone infection team. Wound was radically debrided, implants and sutures removed, humerus scraped, and tissues sent for microbiology and histopathology. Extended incubation of deep tissue culture as suggested by ID specialists grew Rapidly growing mycobacteria, a type of NTM 3 weeks after surgery. Patient was started on intravenous amikacin along with oral clarithromycin and linezolid based on antibiotic susceptibility. Wound discharge persisted for almost 5-week post-surgery and stopped 2 weeks after initiation of appropriate antibiotics. Amikacin was given for 1 month and oral antibiotics were continued for 6 months. The pectoralis major function was unaffected after surgery and patient returned to normal activities 3 months after debridement. Patient has an infection free follow-up of 4 years. Conclusion: This case outlines the importance of having a high degree of suspicion for the diagnosing orthopedic NTM infections. In addition, it showcases the advantages of having good communication between surgeons, infectious disease specialist, and microbiologist for achieving good functional outcomes.

Introduction: Fungal osteoarticular/soft tissue infections (FOaSI) are an uncommon entity with protracted course due to variability in clinical picture, slow progression; resulting in misdiagnosis with empirical therapy. Recent studies have shown an alarming emergence of FOaSI in immunocompetent individuals with high mortality rates. This study recommends a protocol for managing these complex and confusing scenarios. Methodology: We have retrospectively analysed patients with FOaSI between January 2014 and December 2016, with a minimum 12 months follow up. Results: 8 cases (6 male, 2 female) with a mean age of 42.88 years (26-53) presented to us 45 days (3-365) after initial symptoms. They underwent mean 3 procedures before being diagnosed with a fungal infection. Deep tissue cultures grew 9 fungi and 6 bacteria, commonest fungus being Candida sp (n = 4), treated with appropriate antifungals and antibiotics. Infection remission was achieved in 7/8 (87.5%) cases at 27.1 months (19-45) follow-up with 1 mortality. Excellent functional results as per our criteria were seen in 5 cases (62.5%) with 1 talus excision, 1 ray amputation and 1 mortality. Conclusions: This study highlights the significance of implementing a simple rule such as obtaining fungal cultures in every case of bone and soft tissue infections. Standardisation of treatment may not be the ideal solution, since different fungi have different growth patterns and invasiveness. A simple protocol of customising the medico- surgical treatment with an open ended discussion between the surgeons, microbiologists, pathologists and infectious disease specialists forms the cornerstone to success.

BACKGROUND: In the era of increasing drug resistance in pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), it is prudent to assess causes of poor response to anti tubercular therapy (ATT) and drug sensitivity pattern (DSP) in osteoarticular TB. MATERIALS AND METHODS: As a part of Bombay Orthopaedic society’s research project, members were asked to refer non responders to ATT to our institute. Cases were enrolled from October 2010 to March 2014. Deep tissue samples were obtained in all but five cases and subjected to a battery of tests including histopathology (HPE) and TB culture and sensitivity. The DSP was compared with the study performed by the principle author from 2004 to 2007 and published in 2009. RESULTS: 39 male and 50 female patients with a mean age of 24.85 years (2–66) were included and classified in four groups after results. (1) Culture and HPE positive-36. 24 had MDR and three XDR TB. Primary resistance to even second line drugs and deterioration of DSP since last study was noted, (2) culture negative and HPE positive-21. The cause of poor response was surgical in more than half cases, (3) non representative samples or lost to follow-up-15, (4) TB mimics-16. CONCLUSION: There is increasing incidence of primary resistance to second line drugs, primary resistance in children and worsening of resistance patterns as compared to older studies. ATT initiation is a fateful decision and every attempt should be made to rule out TB mimics and establish DSP before initiation.

Tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome characterized by recalcitrant hypophosphatemia. Reports from the Indian subcontinent are scarce, with most being single center experiences involving few patients. Herein, we conducted a retrospective analysis of 30 patients of TIO diagnosed at three tertiary care hospitals in India. Patients with persistent hypophosphatemia (despite correction of hypovitaminosis D), normocalcemia, elevated alkaline phosphatase, low TmP/GFR and elevated or ‘inappropriately normal’ FGF23 levels were labeled as having TIO. They were sequentially subjected to functional followed by anatomical imaging. Patients with a well-localized tumor underwent excision; others were put on phosphorous and calcitriol supplementation. The mean age at presentation was 39.6 years with female:male ratio of 3:2. Bone pain (83.3%) and proximal myopathy (70%) were the chief complaints; 40% of cases had fractures. The mean delay in diagnosis was 3.8 years. Tumors were clinically detectable in four patients (13.3%). The mean serum phosphate was 0.50 mmol/L with a median serum FGF23 level of 518 RU/mL. Somatostatin receptor-based scintigraphy was found to be superior to FDG-PET in tumor localization. Lower extremities were the most common site of the tumor (72%). Tumor size was positively correlated with serum FGF23 levels. Twenty-two patients underwent tumor resection and 16 of them had phosphaturic mesenchymal tumors. Surgical excision led to cure in 72.7% of patients whereas disease persistence and disease recurrence were seen in 18.2% and 9.1% of cases, respectively. At the last follow-up, serum phosphate in the surgically treated group was significantly higher than in the medically managed group.

Resumo Objetivo O uso de reducao aberta e fixacao interna (RAFI) em lesoes pelvicas instaveis esta associado a hemorragia ampla, lesao neurovascular iatrogenica e infeccao. Alem disso, os parafusos sacroiliacos (SI) sao colocados as cegas − o procedimento e guiado principalmente pela palpacao e triagem radiologica bidimensional, o que exige especializacao. A complexa anatomia tridimensional da articulacao SI e sua proximidade com a estrutura neurovascular requerem o uso de uma tecnica segura e precisa. A estabilizacao da articulacao SI guiada por tomografia computadorizada (TC) permite uma avaliacao intraoperatoria precisa do posicionamento do parafuso. Este estudo demonstrou uma tecnica, guiada por TC, de reducao fechada e fixacao da articulacao SI com parafusos em fraturas pelvicas instaveis. Metodos Estudo de coorte retrospectivo, nao randomizado, feito em um hospital terciario. Seis pacientes com fraturas pelvicas instaveis foram operados. A borda anterior foi estabilizada primeiro por RAFI com placa nos aspectos superior e anterior da sinfise pubica. Entao, a estabilizacao posterior foi feita de forma percutânea, guiada por TC, com um parafuso esponjoso canulado de 7 mm. Resultados O tempo medio de cirurgia foi de 48 min (35‐90 min); a dose media efetiva de radiacao foi de 9,32 (4,97‐13,27) e o seguimento medio foi de 26 meses (6‐72 meses). Todos os pacientes apresentaram cura satisfatoria, com reducao quase anatomica e sem complicacoes, exceto em um caso em que a placa quebrou 61 meses apos a cirurgia, sem a necessidade de intervencao. O escore EVA medio no seguimento final foi de 1,8 e todos os pacientes retornaram as suas ocupacoes originais sem quaisquer limitacoes. Conclusao A estabilizacao da articulacao SI guiada por TC apresenta muitas vantagens, inclusive um posicionamento seguro e preciso do parafuso, reducao do tempo de cirurgia, diminuicao da perda de sangue, fixacao definitiva precoce, mobilizacao imediata e reducao no numero de infeccoes e complicacoes da ferida cirurgica.

Background: Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) were considered saprophytic organisms for many years but now are recognized as human pathogens. Although humans are routinely exposed to NTM, the rate of clinical infection is low. Such infections usually occur in the elderly and in patients who are immunocompromised. However, there has been an increasing incidence in recent years of infections in immunocompetent hosts. NTM infections in immunocompetent individuals are secondary to direct inoculation either contamination from surgical procedures or penetrating injuries rather than hematogenous dissemination. Clinically and on histopathology, musculoskeletal infections caused by NTM resemble those caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis but are mostly resistant to routine antituberculosis medicines. Materials and Methods: Six cases of NTM infection in immunocompetent hosts presenting to the department from 2004 to 2015 were included in study. Of which two cases (one patella and one humerus) of infection were following an open wound due to trauma while two cases (one hip and one shoulder) of infection were by inoculation following an intraarticular injection for arthrogram of the joint, one case was infection following arthroscopy of knee joint and one case (calcaneum) was infection following local injection for the treatment of plantar fasciitis. All patients underwent inaging and tissue diagnosis with samples being sent for culture, staining, and histopathology. Results: Clinical suspicion of NTM inoculation led to the correct diagnosis (four cases with culture positive and two cases with histopathological diagnosis). There treatment protocol for extrapulmonary NTM infection was radical surgical debridement and medical management based on drug sensitivity testing in culture positive cases. At a mean follow up of 3 years (range1–9 years) all patients had total remission and excellent results. Conclusions: Whenever a case of chronic granulomatous infection is encountered that does not respond to standard anti-tuberculous treatment, with a history of open trauma, surgical intervention, or injection as shown in this study, a possible NTM infection should be considered and managed appropriately.

Objective Floating knee injuries are complex injuries and are usually caused by highvelocity trauma. These injuries are often associated with life treating injuries, which should take precedent over extremity injuries. The authors reviewed the outcomes of floating knee injuries managed in this institute from 2003 to 2015. Method A retrospective study was conducted of all patients with floating knee injuries from2003 to 2015. Twelve patients were included in the study. Data related to fracture type, associated injuries, treatmentmodalities, and complications were noted. Functional assessment was performed using themodified Karlstromand Olerud criteria after complete bony union. Result The mechanism of injury was motor vehicle accident in all patients. The mean follow up was four years. The mean age of patients was 34.75 year. The mean union time was 6.5 months in femurs and 6.7 month in tibias. The complications were knee stiffness, delayed union, and infection. According to modified Karlstrom criteria, there were three - excellent, five - good, three - fair, and one poor result. Conclusion Floating knee injuries are severe injuries and are usually associated withmultiorgan injuries. Early detection and appropriate management of associated injuries, early fixation of fractures, and postoperative rehabilitation are needed for good outcome. Complications are frequent, in the form of delayed union, knee stiffness, and infection. Resumo Objetivo As lesões do tipo joelho flutuante (FKIs, na sigla em inglês) são complexas e são geralmente causadas por trauma de alta velocidade. Estas lesões são frequentemente associadas a lesões que causamrisco demorte, que devemter precedente sobre lesões nas extremidades. Os autores revisaram os resultados das lesões do tipo joelho flutuante tratadas nesta instituição entre 2003 e 2015. Método Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo de todos os pacientes com FKIs de 2003 a 2015. Doze pacientes foram incluídos no estudo. Os dados relacionados ao tipo de fratura, lesões associadas, modalidades de tratamento e complicações foram observados. A avaliação funcional foi realizada utilizando os critérios de Karlstrom modificados após a união óssea completa. Resultados Omecanismo de lesão foi acidente automobilísticoemtodos os pacientes.O acompanhamentomédio foi de 4 anos.Amédia de idade dos pacientes foi de 34,75 anos.O tempo médio de união óssea foi de 6,5 meses nos fêmures e de 6,7 meses nas tíbias. As complicações foram rigidez do joelho, união óssea tardia e infecção. De acordo com os critérios modificados de Karlstrom, três resultados foram considerados excelentes, cinco bons, três razoáveis e um resultado foi considerado ruim. Conclusão Lesões do tipo joelho flutuante são graves e são geralmente associadas a lesões de vários órgãos. A detecção precoce e o tratamento adequado das lesões associadas, a afixação precoce das fraturas e a reabilitação pós-operatória são necessários para um bom resultado. As complicações são frequentes, sob a forma de união óssea tardia, rigidez do joelho e infecção.

There has been a major resurgence of tuberculosis (TB) and drug-resistant tuberculosis in the last few decades. Although it has been brought under control in most Western countries, it is still a major cause of death in endemic regions like India. Osteoarticular tuberculosis (OA TB) forms a small proportion of the total cases of tuberculosis. Perceptions and practices of orthopedic surgeons are entirely different in endemic and non-endemic regions around the world, due to the vast difference in exposure. Literature from endemic areas puts stress on clinico-radiological diagnosis and empirical anti-tubercular treatment (ATT). Such practices, although non-invasive, simple to implement, and economical, carry a significant risk of missing TB mimics and developing drug resistance. However, OA TB is still perceived as a “diagnostic enigma” in non-endemic regions, leading to a delay in diagnosis. Hence, a high index of suspicion, especially in a high-risk population, is needed to improve the diagnosis. Evolving drug resistance continues to thwart efforts to control the disease globally. This review article discusses the perceptions and practices in different parts of the world, with India as an example of the endemic world, and lays down priorities for overcoming the challenges of diagnosing osteoarticular TB.

Objective The use of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for unstable pelvic injuries is associated with extensive blood loss, iatrogenic neurovascular injury, and infection. Moreover, the placement of sacroiliac (SI) screws is a blinded procedure, guided primarily by palpation and two-dimensional radiological screening, which demands expertise. The complex three-dimensional anatomy of SI joint and its proximity to neurovascular structure require a safe and precise technique. Computed tomography (CT)-guided SI joint stabilization allows an accurate intra-operative assessment of screw placement. This study demonstrated a technique of CT-guided closed reduction and screw fixation of the SI joint in unstable pelvic fractures. Methods This was a retrospective non-randomized cohort study conducted at a tertiary care hospital. Six patients with unstable pelvic fractures were operated; the anterior rim was stabilized first by ORIF with plate on the superior and anterior aspects of the pubic symphysis. Subsequently, the posterior stabilization was made percutaneously under CT guidance with a 7-mm cannulated cancellous screw. Results The mean operative time was 48 min (35–90 min), the mean effective radiation dose was 9.32 (4.97–13.27), and the mean follow-up was 26 months (6–72 months). All patients had satisfactory healing, with near-anatomic reduction and no complications, except in one case where the plate broke at 61 months post surgery, but no intervention was required. The mean VAS score at the final follow-up was 1.8, and all patients returned to their original occupation without any limitations. Conclusion CT-guided SI joint stabilization offers many advantages, including safe and accurate screw placement, reduced operating time, decreased blood loss, early definitive fixation, immediate mobilization, and fewer infections and wound complications. RESUMO Objetivo O uso de redução aberta e fixação interna (RAFI) em lesões pélvicas instáveis está associado a hemorragia ampla, lesão neurovascular iatrogênica e infecção. Além disso, os parafusos sacroilíacos (SI) são colocados às cegas − o procedimento é guiado principalmente pela palpação e triagem radiológica bidimensional, o que exige especialização. A complexa anatomia tridimensional da articulação SI e sua proximidade com a estrutura neurovascular requerem o uso de uma técnica segura e precisa. A estabilização da articulação SI guiada por tomografia computadorizada (TC) permite uma avaliação intraoperatória precisa do posicionamento do parafuso. Este estudo demonstrou uma técnica, guiada por TC, de redução fechada e fixação da articulação SI com parafusos em fraturas pélvicas instáveis. Métodos Estudo de coorte retrospectivo, não randomizado, feito em um hospital terciário. Seis pacientes com fraturas pélvicas instáveis foram operados. A borda anterior foi estabilizada primeiro por RAFI com placa nos aspectos superior e anterior da sínfise púbica. Então, a estabilização posterior foi feita de forma percutânea, guiada por TC, com um parafuso esponjoso canulado de 7 mm. Resultados O tempo médio de cirurgia foi de 48 min (35-90 min); a dose média efetiva de radiação foi de 9,32 (4,97-13,27) e o seguimento médio foi de 26 meses (6-72 meses). Todos os pacientes apresentaram cura satisfatória, com redução quase anatômica e sem complicações, exceto em um caso em que a placa quebrou 61 meses após a cirurgia, sem a necessidade de intervenção. O escore EVA médio no seguimento final foi de 1,8 e todos os pacientes retornaram às suas ocupações originais sem quaisquer limitações. Conclusão A estabilização da articulação SI guiada por TC apresenta muitas vantagens, inclusive um posicionamento seguro e preciso do parafuso, redução do tempo de cirurgia, diminuição da perda de sangue, fixação definitiva precoce, mobilização imediata e redução no número de infecções e complicações da ferida cirúrgica.

Background Melioidosis is a saprophytic infectious disease caused by Gram-negative soil-dwelling bacillus Burkholderia pseudomallei . Materials & methods We report three cases of musculoskeletal melioidosis that are presented to our department from 2011 to 2013. Results One of the patients died due to post-septicemic ARDS. The other two patients have recovered fully and are followed up for minimum of 6 months. There were no recurrences. Conclusions Though musculoskeletal infection due to melioidosis is not common in India, new cases are being reported from Karnataka, Goa and Southern Maharashtra. The need for diagnosing this entity is due to the fact that the septicemic form has a mortality rate that exceeds 90%, and though culture sensitivity report shows susceptibility to various antibiotics, the infection responds to only specific set of antibiotics i.e. intravenous ceftazidime and combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole.

Aim: To highlight radiological features and emphasize the need for tissue diagnoses to confirm bone pathology. Tuberculosis is known to present without constitutional symptoms and with unconventional imaging features mimicking sarcomas as shown in our series of 25 patients; where the imaging and biopsy protocols at our institute helped to solve these diagnostic dilemmas. Material and methods: We retrospectively analyzed clinical and radiological features and tissue diagnoses in 25 patients referred to the department of orthopedic oncology with radiological suspicion of tumor. Results: Only 7 patients had cultures positive for Mycobacterium Tuberculosis T.B. Radiological features suggestive of infection were Metaphyseal and joint involvement, permeative lesions, absence of Codman’s triangle, and soft tissue mass suggestive of a cold abscess. The predictive accuracy of the orthopedic oncologist was 60% and musculoskeletal radiologist was 72% (based on radiology). Final diagnosis is 100% confirmed on histopathology. Conclusion: Diagnosis based primarily upon imaging is a wrong approach. A multimodal approach to differentiating tuberculous bone infections from sarcomas is essential.

Background: Bisphosphonates (BPs) are the common drugs used for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Short term benefits of the BPs are well known. However, there are concerns regarding their long term use. The aim of the study was to analyze the association between atypical femoral fractures and BP misuse/abuse as well as study the outcome of management of these fractures. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of a prospectively studied patients who presented with atypical femoral fractures between January 2010 and August 2012 and were followed up upto June 2014. The cohort consisted of nine female patients (12 fractures) with an average age of 71 years (range 58-85 years). Analysis was done for the indications, duration of BP use, configuration of associated fractures and method of treatment. Results: The mean duration of BP use was 6.6 years (range 4-10 years). BP treatment was initiated without sufficient indication and continued without proper review and followup in most cases. Most patients did not followup and continued to consume BPs without any review by the doctors. All patients had prodromal thigh pain of various duration, which was inadequately investigated and managed before the presentation. Two cases with an incomplete fracture and no thigh pain were managed successfully with conservative treatment. The rest were treated by surgery with intramedullary nailing. The average union time was longer and two fractures went into nonunion which required further surgical intervention. Conclusion: Atypical femoral fractures appear to be strongly related to abuse of BPs. Great care is to be exercised at initiation as well as the continuation of BP therapy, and regular review is required. There is a need for improved awareness among physicians about the possibility of such fractures, and interpretation of thigh pain and radiological findings, especially if the patient has been on BPs therapy. Internal fixation for complete fractures and for incomplete fractures with thigh pain is needed. Delayed union is common.

Alternaria alternata, a saprophytic pigmented fungus, usually manifests in immunocompromised hosts. A case of 53-year-old male who underwent renal transplant 4 years back with recurrent foot swelling and previously misdiagnosed and treated for actinomycosis is presented. The swelling was completely excised, staining and culture diagnosed it to be Alternaria alternata infection which responded very well to oral voriconazole. How to cite this article Jakkan MS, Agashe VM, Soman R, Almeda A. Subcutaneous Foot Phaeohyphomycosis due to Alternaria alternata. J Foot Ankle Surg (Asia-Pacific) 2015;2(1):44-46.

Background Spiral and comminuted fractures of the metacarpals are rotationally and axially unstable fractures with a tendency to shorten, which in turn causes significant extensor lag and loss of grip strength. We have designed a new, cheap and locally developed method of locked intramedullary nailing of these metacarpal fractures. We are presenting the results of our first 21 patients with 22 fractures treated by closed, fluoroscopically assisted, intramedullary K-wiring with proximal locking done by a specially designed locking pin. Materials and Methods This was a retrospective, observational cohort study of all patients with spiral and comminuted fractures of metacarpals with minimum of 1 year of follow-up and average follow-up of 14 months (range, 12 to 26 months). The patients were evaluated clinico-radiologically using range of motion, extensor lag, time to healing, amount of collapse, angulation and rotation and complications. Results All fractures had healed uneventfully with average time to union being 8 weeks. Average metacarpal shortening was 2.04±0.95 mm, while the average post-operative angulation of the fracture was 4.81°±1.7. The metacarpophalangeal range-of-motion recovered almost fully with the average extensor lag being only 5.22°±2.42. Other than extensor tendinitis in two patients, there were no other complications. Conclusions This method is cosmetically appealing, provides stable fixation, avoids periosteal stripping associated with open reduction and is associated with very low complication rate, and thus can be safely and effectively used for the treatment of these difficult fractures.

Background: We conducted a study of osteoarticular tuberculosis in patients from private and public settings in a disease endemic area. Our objective was to assess the role of mycobacterial culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the diagnosis of osteoarticular tuberculosis (TB) in settings where only clinical and imaging diagnosis form the basis for treatment. Methodology: Ninety-three consecutive specimens collected from clinically suspected patients of osteoarticular TB were screened for bacterial culture, mycobacterial culture and in-house nested PCR. In addition, specimens were examined by imaging and histopathology. Ten specimens collected from patients suffering from other bone diseases were included as negative controls. Results: Of the 93 clinically suspected TB patients, mycobacterial culture was positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) in 47 (51%) patients who were confirmed as definite TB cases. Of the remaining patients, 16 (17%) were diagnosed as probable, 19 (20%) as possible, and 11 (12%) as only clinically suspected TB cases. In-house nested PCR was positive in 65 (70%) cases. Fifteen patients were resistant to one or more anti-tuberculous drugs; twelve patients were multi-drug resistant, two of whom were extensively drug resistant. Conclusion: Mycobacterial cultures using liquid media with susceptibility should form the backbone of management of osteoarticular TB. Nested PCR enhances the sensitivity if performed in addition to culture.