High diagnostic value of next-generation sequencing for orthopedic-related infectious diseases: a quantitative analysis of 24 cohort studies

In summary, NGS demonstrates high diagnostic accuracy for orthopedic-related infections across various specimen types, sequencing platforms, study designs, and regions. However, significant between-study heterogeneity should be considered when interpreting these results. Future research should focus on large-scale prospective studies to evaluate the impact of sample size, direct comparisons across diverse infection types, and the influence of prior antibiotic exposure on diagnostic performance. Addressing these aspects will facilitate the clinical standardization and broader implementation of NGS, ultimately enhancing its diagnostic and prognostic value.