OBJECTIVETo summary the experience in the diagnosis and management of septic arthritis after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

METHODSThe knee joint infections after arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction were retrospectively studied. From January 1997 to July 2007, 16 of 3638 patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions experienced postoperative septic arthritis. The incidence, cause, presentation, laboratory results, treatment, and outcome of all infected patients were analyzed. The experiences of diagnosis and management of septic arthritis after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction were summarized.

RESULTSThe incidence of septic arthritis after ACL reconstruction was 0.44%. The most common symptoms of the infected patients were fever, swelling, severe pain, tenderness, restricted motion. Eleven (68.8%) patients were positive for bacteria cultures, and Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most common bacteria. Nine of the 16 patients were performed arthroscopic debridement, and the other 7 patients were conservatively treated. All patients regained full range of motion and normal stability at the 19.7 months follow-up.

CONCLUSIONSSeptic arthritis, which could bring the dysfunction of the joint, is subsequent with cartilage injury and the failure of the ACL grafts. Early diagnosis and treatment of arthroscopic debridement in time are essential to the ultimate clinical outcome.