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The purpose of this case series is to summarize our experience in the diagnosis and management of septic arthritis after
anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Infection after arthroscopic ACL reconstruction (AACLR) is a relatively rare
but potentially a serious complication.
Settings and Design: Case series, prospective study.
Materials and Methods: We present a series of four cases who presented with septic arthritis following AACLR. After initial
evaluation and intravenous antibiotics, the patients were subjected to early arthroscopic wash, debridement and graft retention,
and antibiotics for 6 weeks. Postoperative rehabilitation protocol was followed and the patients were reviewed for a period of 2
years. Functional evaluation was done and the patients were found to have good to satisfactory results with no complaints of
instability.
Statistical Analysis Used: Functional outcome measured with Tegner and Lyshlom scores, IKDC, KOOS score, and X-ray.
Results: At 2-year follow-up, patients had good functional outcome measured with Tegner and Lyshlom scores, KOOS, IKDC
scores, and with no evidence of instability.
Conclusion: Infection post-arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (AACLR) is a relatively rare but potentially
devastating complication, early diagnosis in infection following AACLR and prompt treatment is necessary. Diagnosis relies on
clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, synovial fluid analysis, and bacterial culture. Our proposed treatment protocol is
arthroscopic debridement and irrigation as early as possible with retention of the graft.
Keywords: Septic Arthritis, Knee Arthroscopy, ACL, Management