Vancomycin-soaking of the graft reduces the incidence of septic arthritis following ACL reconstruction: results of a systematic review and meta-analysis

ConclusionThe incidence of septic arthritis following ACLR can be reduced dramatically by vancomycin-soaking the grafts intra-operatively prior to graft passage and fixation. Within the limitation confines of this study, intra-operative graft-soaking in vancomycin appears to be a safe and effective method to reduce the incidence of septic arthritis following ACLR. Still, it remains debatable if the available data facilitate the recommendation for a universal application of vancomycin-soaking for all ACLR patients or if it should be reserved for patients at risk, including the use hamstring tendons, revision cases and in the presence of medical preconditions.Level of evidenceLevel IV, systematic review of Level III and Level IV studies.
Source: Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy - Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research