Does Septic Arthritis after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Always Affect Knee Range of Motion ?

Background: Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction is an effective method of restoring stability to the knee after injury to the ACL. Post-operative septic arthritis is an uncommon but potentially serious complication with a reported incidence rate of between 1.3% and 1.7%. The functional outcomes after eradication of postoperative infection have been variable. This report reviewed 13 cases with postoperative ACL reconstruction infections, identified potential risk factors, described our treatment, and evaluate the effect of variable factors on the final knee Range of Motion (ROM). Objective: Evaluation of septic arthritis after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and its effect on Knee range of motion after eradication of infection. Patients and Methods: The study included 13 knees in 13 male patients, out of 290 cases ACL reconstruction. All patients were subjected to full clinical evaluation and laboratory investigations. Infection was confirmed by culture of the wound discharge and knee aspirate. Patients were managed by wound debridement and arthroscopic lavage. Different factors supposed to affect ROM were evaluated. Results: After eradication of infection, 9 patients (69.2%) were able to flex the knee beyond 110o. 2 patients (15.4%) could flex the knee to 90o, while another 2 patients had 5o & 30o knee flexion deformity. Conclusion: Knee stiffness is not always found after infection ACL reconstruction.