What to do about infection after ligament reconstruction

Prompt arthrocentesis is the most effective and fundamental treatment for post-ligament reconstruction infections. Contamination of surgical tools or ligament grafts is the most common cause of post-ligament reconstruction infection. When infection occurs after ligament reconstruction, timely arthrocentesis is the key to treatment. Firstly, the necrotic tissue can be cleaned up in time to find the source of infection, which is important for preventing the spread and aggravation of the infection, and the timing of debridement should be chosen as early as possible. The treatment after debridement is also very critical, with daily postoperative dressing changes, joint irrigation and intra-articular injections of medications, and the use of sensitive antibiotics with prolonged application (e.g., vancomycin). Infections after ligament reconstruction are recommended to be treated aggressively under the supervision of a specialist, and the above medications should be used under the supervision of a physician.