Multiplex polymerase chain reaction in diagnosis and treatment of joint infections – a multicentre randomised controlled trial (MJOLNIR)

To determine whether multiplex PCR improves clinical outcomes in patients with suspected native knee septic arthritis.

Open-labelled, multi-centre, randomised controlled trial with parallel design. This study is supported by the General Research Fund and the University of Hong Kong Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology.

Patients with suspected native knee infection with knee effusion undergoing joint aspiration admitted to any study sites are eligible to participate. Prosthetic joint infections, fracture-related infections, joints other than the knee, and patients without mental capacity for consent are excluded. The clinical trial has begun recruitment in stages.

Principal investigator: Dr Janus WONG

Study sites (IRB-approved):
– Queen Mary Hospital
– United Christian Hospital
– Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital
– Princess Margaret Hospital
– Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, Duchess of Kent Children’s Hospital

mjolnir@ortho.hku.hk