ACL surgery replaces the torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee region to provide a firm knee for its normal function after an injury. Signs of infection after ACL surgery are rare, but ignoring these symptoms can lead to a grave situation. One should be cautious towards the vital signs and manifestations as an initial detection and treatment helps in the overall treatment process. Getting to know the causes, recognizing symptoms, and implementing preventive measures are crucial for a safe recovery. In this blog, we will deal with the bad signs of Infection after ACL surgery and see the best way to live a happy life.
Reasons for Infection After ACL Procedure
Different factors that lead to infection after an ACL surgery include:
1. Outside material:
- The type of graft, i.e., autograft or allograft and the nature and material used in the fixation devices (screws, etc.) introduces an outside material into the joint, which can be a source for infection.
- Surgical tools and medical equipment not properly sterilized before surgery increase the risk of infections at the surgical site.
2. Specific Risk: Other reasons for infection after ACL procedure:
- Patient’s Gender: Researchers have proven that males are more prone to infection post ACL surgery than women.
- Obesity: People who are overweight and have a high BMI are more susceptible to infections at the surgical location, as per British Journal of Sports Medicine
- Diabetes: Patients with such conditions are at an increased risk of surgical site infection after medical surgery.
- Smoking: Tobacco leads to an increase in complication rates, and its use can impair wound healing and elevate the infection risk.
- A Previous Knee Surgery or Infection: An early-stage procedure can increase the likelihood of infection.
- Corticosteroid Use: Steroid use, particularly for inflammatory or neoplastic conditions, can suppress the immune system and increase susceptibility.
- Type of Sport Activity: As per different reports, a higher infection rate is common in professional athletes or outdoor games like football as these are active sports that involve a lot of muscular actions.
Common Bad Signs of Infection After ACL Surgery
Here is detailed information on some common signs that can give rise to an infection after the ACL medical procedure:
An Increase in Knee Discomfort and Inflammation
In the initial phases of recovery, people often experience knee pain and redness, but they should not totally ignore it. Although swelling and pain may persist for a certain time, you should observe the symptoms, and if there is any worsening of them, then you should consult with your doctor.
- If there is an increase in swelling or it worsens, it can be a sign of an abnormal skin condition.
- An excess pain or an ongoing one that does not decrease with the prescription drugs can be a sign of complexity.
Feeling of Warmth and Redness in the Surgery Area
The above two signs are usual in the initial phases of recovery, but a doctor should evaluate immoderate redness, swelling, or heat that worsens with a discharge for an unseen infection or other issues.
- An intense redness that spreads to the nearby region or is accompanied by an increase in pain could indicate an infection.
- If there is a sense of warmth in the surgical region compared to the adjoining skin, it can be an indication of infection.
- Any discharge, predominantly if it’s yellow or green, from the incision location is a potent indicator of infection.
High Temperature
In the same way, a fever that is low (around 101°F or 38.3°C) is usual for a few days after ACL procedure, but if the high temperature persists in the body for a longer duration, it can be a signal for an infection.
- A fever that is beyond 101°F and continues for some days. It accompanies symptoms like rise in pain, swelling, hotness, or drainage at the surgical site, and can be a sign of infection.
Limited Range of Motion
Although a limited range of motion is usual following ACL surgery, due to edema and pain, there should be a gradual improvement with rehabilitation. If you experience a sudden or significant decrease in your range of motion that accompanies the onset of other infection symptoms, it may indicate the start of a serious matter.
- Infection generates inflammation, which can result in pain and stiffness, thus causing limited movement.
- A lump resulting from an infection can strain the joint and reduce its range of motion.
- In rare cases, infection can harm the tissues which can unfavorably affect the range of motion and function of the joint.
Drainage from the Incision Area Especially if it is Yellowish
Of Course, this yellowish drainage that results from an incision, particularly bulky or full with puss, may be the onset of infection after an ACL procedure. Although a slight pinkish removal of fluid is usual after the procedure, a smell that is foul or yellow and green can cause a bacterial infection. Carefully inspect for remaining signs of infection that include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Increased Pain
- Fever
You should consult with your doctor immediately if you notice the above signs or symptoms.
How to Prevent Infection After ACL Surgery?
After the ACL medical procedure, following the below given tips will decrease the possibility of an infection:
- Stick to your surgeon’s instructions on how to care for your incision.
- Treat any incision, wound, or scrape as soon as it appears. Take an antibacterial solution and clear it. Later, wrap it in a clean bandage.
- Avoid scratching the injury area or exposure to insect bites on the surgical leg as these increase the risk for infection.
- Take all the prescribed antibiotics in time and avoid their stoppage even if you feel you have totally recovered, unless you see the doctor, as it will lead you to antibiotic resistance.
- Stay away from physical activities that involve a range of motion, such as walking, swimming, cycling, and knee bending, until your doctor gives a green signal.
- Taking prescribed drugs on time helps the bacteria to stay away from the surgical site and speeds up the healing process.
Conclusion
After reading this blog, it should be alerted of some signs of infection after ACL surgery. Strictly adhering to the medical expert’s advice can minimize the dangers of infection in the initial stages of recovery. If indications get worse or symptoms persist for a long time, one may seek urgent medical attention. Keeping yourself alert and sticking to after-surgery principles, the patient can significantly decrease infection risks and ensure a smooth transition to a safe recovery.
