Recommendations on diagnosis and antimicrobial treatment of infections after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R) endorsed by ESSKA and EBJIS

Abstract

Infection after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R) is a rare but devastating complication affecting predominantly young and sportive individuals. A timely and correct diagnosis as well as optimized management is paramount to circumvent serious sequelae and compromise in life quality. These recommendations are primarily intended for use by infectious disease specialists and microbiologists, but also orthopedic surgeons and other healthcare professionals who care for patients with infections after ACL-R. They are based on evidence mainly originating from observational studies and opinions of experts in the field, and cover the management of infections after ACL-R with a special focus on etiology, diagnosis, antimicrobial treatment and prevention. Comprehensive recommendations on surgical treatment and rehabilitation are presented separately in a document primarily addressing orthopedic professionals.