Meta-analysis of the Risk of Infections After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction by Graft Type: Response:

Background:An infection after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a relatively rare but challenging complication. There are no meta-analyses comparing the incidence of infections after ACL reconstruction with the various available graft choices.Purpose:To compare the incidence of infections after ACL reconstruction with bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPTB) autografts compared with hamstring autografts, with a secondary aim of comparing the incidence of infections after reconstruction with autografts compared with allografts.Study Design:Meta-analysis.Methods:A systematic review was performed to identify level 1 and 2 studies that reported the incidence of infections by graft type after ACL reconstruction. Studies that evaluated patients undergoing primary ACL reconstruction with an autograft, allograft, or combination of autograft and allograft and reported the number of postoperative infections by graft type utilized were considered for inclusion. Studies were excluded if they included revisio...