Editorial Commentary: Graft Removal Versus Retention for Septic Arthritis After Anterior Cruciate Ligament...

Septic arthritis is a rare but potentially devastating complication after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Studies examining surgical treatment options including graft retention and removal are largely inconclusive. Although the literature indicated that 43.8% of patients who have the graft removed later go on to have a revision ACL reconstruction compared with only 6.5% among those whose graft is retained, this expected-value decision analysis found removal to be the optimal treatment for patients with septic arthritis after ACL reconstruction. This is largely based on patient preference to avoid a late reoperation for residual knee infection. These findings support the concept of utility when considering treatment options for patients with a septic knee. For some, avoiding a late reoperation for a persistent infection is the most important factor and as such graft removal may be the most appropriate treatment to produce a positive outcome among these patients despite the fact that currently, an attempt at graft retention could represent the generally preferred treatment option among practicing surgeons.