Editorial Commentary: Is It Time for the Vancomycin Wrap to Become a Universal Recommendation for the Prevention of Septic Arthritis Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction?

Septic arthritis is a devastating complication of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, which can still occur in approximately 1% of patients despite appropriate intravenous antibiotic prophylaxis and other recommended preventative measures being undertaken. The infection is most likely secondary to the autograft becoming contaminated during harvest and preparation, introducing bacteria into the joint on insertion. Presoaking ACL grafts in 5 mg/mL vancomycin is a novel method developed to eradicate this bacterial contamination and is supported by compelling Level III evidence from multiple observational trials showing a dramatic reduction in infection rates without any evidence of increased graft failure.
Source: Arthroscopy - Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery - Category: Surgery Authors: Tags: Editorial Commentary Source Type: research