Factors associated with late microbiological documentation of prosthetic joint infection.

<b>Purpose:</b> To describe the number of prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) with late documentation and to identify associated factors. <b>Methods:</b> Bacterial PJIs with surgical management between November 2015 and November 2019 in a French center were analyzed. Results of short (72 h) and late culture (at 14 days) were analyzed. <b>Results:</b> A total of 160 PJIs were reported with 215 bacteria. Twenty-nine patients had late documentation (18.1%). The bacteria most involved were coagulase-negative staphylococci and <i>Cutibacterium</i> spp. (60%). In multivariate analysis, late chronic PJI (odds ratio = 2.47) and antibiotic therapy before surgery (odds ratio = 3.13) were associated with late-documented infection. <b>Conclusion:</b> A better knowledge of the factors associated with late-documented infections is essential in order to simplify antibiotic treatment at the appropriate time.