Risk of Septic Arthritis with ACL Surgery Higher in Professional Athletes

Septic Arthritis (SA) is a joint infection that is caused when bacteria enter the joint through the blood stream, but it can also occur when there is direct penetration into a joint such as during surgery. A recent study from the American Journal of Sports Medicine reviewed clinical data from 4,421 Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (ACLR), with 265 professional athletes. Over the study period, there were 15 cases of SA that were diagnosed with 10 cases coming from professional athletes. The data suggests that professional athletes are at a greater risk of developing SA after ACLR compared to nonprofessional athletes. There is more research needed to understand why these groups are at an elevated risk. To find out more, click here

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