Infection Following ACL Reconstruction: From Prevention to Treatment

Postoperative infection is a rare but serious complication following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). This review integrates current epidemiological trends, risk factors, and novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches reported in the existing literature. The estimated incidence of septic arthritis (SA) after ACLR typically ranges from 0.14% to 2.6%. Male sex, smoking, hamstring autograft use, diabetes mellitus, and elevated body mass index (BMI) were identified as risk factors in earlier studies. Intraoperative presoaking of the graft in vancomycin, known as the 'vancomycin wrap' technique, has reduced infection rates and improved prophylactic practice. Diagnosis relies on patient history, physical assessment, and laboratory findings, including synovial fluid analysis and C-reactive protein (CRP). Management often involves urgent arthroscopic debridement and individualized antibiotic treatment, with the primary aim of preserving the ACL graft. Although graft retention is successful in many cases, persistent infection may require graft removal, which is associated with poorer outcomes.