Editorial Commentary: Playing With the Odds: Long-Term Joint Preservation Strategies Are Critical Following...

Even though rare, infection after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction can have a devastating long-term effect, leading to knee arthritis for these patients. Three major strategies exist in the management of perioperative infection after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: infection prevention, eradication of the infection in the acute setting, and long-term management of these patients. Infection prevention can be possible with soaked grafts in vancomycin and proper patient, graft, and technique selection. Aggressive management toward eradication of the microorganism, but without compromising the biomechanical environment of the knee, can be a delicate balance. After the acute phase, focusing on restoring anatomy, enhancing healing, and improving the microenvironment may be the solution for longevity of the knee joint.