OSTEOMYELITIS POST ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION: A CASE REPORT

Background: Arthroscopically assisted reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a common and effective method for treatment of anterior knee instability following ACL injury. ACL reconstruction is not without potential complications, including post-operative infection. Reports of osteomyelitis after ACL reconstruction are rare in the literature. Hence we represent one of rare cases of osteomyelitis following ACL reconstruction.

Case Presentation: A 34 years old male patient, medically free with history of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction following right knee anterior cruciate ligament tear presented with wound infection over the harvested site. He was febrile with right knee moderate effusion and pus discharge from harvested site. Laboratory data at the time of admission were significant high for white blood cell (WBC) count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and a positive C-Reactive protein (CRP). He hadtenderness over the knee with restricted range of motion. Patient diagnosed as osteomyelitis and received proper management.

Conclusion: Reconstruction of the ACL is a common and generally successful procedure. Osteomyelitis following ACL reconstruction can be a devastating complication. Osteomyelitis after ACL reconstruction is a rare complication and usually occurs secondary to septic arthritis developing in the immediate post-operative period, therefore osteomyelitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any patient presenting with localized knee pain post-ACL reconstruction.