Managing septic arthritis after knee ligament reconstruction

Joint infection after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is uncommon but has potentially serious consequences for the graft and articular cartilage. Most recently published series are in agreement that an urgent arthroscopic washout and antibiotic treatment are mandatory to preserve both graft and cartilage. However, several questions have not as yet been touched upon. We performed a literature review to assess the most interesting series published about this issue. In this review, a management protocol is first presented that discusses the different diagnostic parameters to consider and surgical and antibiotic treatment suggested according to the literature. Outcomes published in different series are also discussed.