Standardized treatment of infection after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Infection after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is a rare and catastrophic postoperative complication. The aims of this study were to investigate the diagnostic, treatment and rehabilitation measures for postoperative infection following after ACLR. A retrospective study was conducted on 1500 patients who underwent ACLR between January 2011 and January 2022. Twenty patients who met the criteria for summarizing the incidence patterns and treatment experiences were selected for a complete investigation of their diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitation processes, as well as outpatient follow-up results. Among the 20 patients who developed postoperative infections, Staphylococcus aureus was the main pathogen (80%). The clinical manifestations mainly included fever (80%) and knee joint pain (100%). Laboratory tests demonstrated that C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were greater than 50 mmol/L in fifteen patients (75%). All of the patients received intravenous antibiotic therapy. Five patients (25%) of tendon socket infection were treated with continuous negative pressure suction irrigation, whereas the other fifteen patients with intra-articular infection were treated with arthroscopic debridement and continuous flushing. The Lysholm score of the affected knee was compared before treatment and 6 months after treatment, and the difference was statistically significant (t = 20.78, P < 0.001). The success rate of treatment was 100%, and there were no significant differences between patients who received secondary treatment and functional exercise and those who underwent ACLR in terms of knee joint function or range of motion during the same time period. Infection was rare after ACLR, however it was fatal, and the main pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus. Early diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment approach are pivotal for the successful management of postoperative infections following ACLR. The results of this study contribute valuable clinical insights for further refining surgical procedures, enhancing infection prevention measures, and optimizing rehabilitation protocols.