Author :
Sanyam Chaurasia, Georgios Karnatzikos, Alberto Gobbi, Vivek Gupta
Volume :
1
Issue :
1
Abstract :
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to review and summarize the literature and suggest the probable most effective protocol in the management of post anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) infection.
Methods: We reviewed 16 studies (Level 1- Level 4) published between January 2000 and December 2013, by a thorough search in PUBMED, MEDLINE and EMBASE databases.
Results: There were 246 cases of infection amongst 35,795 ACLR making the proportion of infection 0.68% (range- 0.14-2.6%). The mean time of onset of infection from index surgery was between 7.5 days to 32 days. The most common organism was Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CNS) followed by Staphylococcus Aureus. Optimal outcome was reported in most studies using serial arthroscopic lavage and intravenous antibiotics with graft retention as a prime protocol.
Conclusion: Septic arthritis after ACLR is a rare and disastrous complication which can be successfully managed by early diagnosis and arthroscopic debridement with a proper protocol.
Level of Evidence: Review Article; Level 4.