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Objectives and questions: This prospective study aimed to evaluate whether preoperative antiseptic skin cleansing effectively reduces bacterial contamination and surgical site infections (SSI) following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). It was hypothesized that antiseptic cleansing would lower bacterial load, thereby decreasing contamination and the risk of early infections.

Material and methods: A total of 119 patients scheduled for ACLR participated in this prospective, nonrandomized study. They were divided into two groups: the intervention group used octenisan^® wash lotion daily for three days before surgery, replacing their regular shower gel, and additionally wiped their leg with octenisan^®-soaked gloves on the morning of the procedure. The control group maintained their usual hygiene routine without specific instructions.

Fluid samples were collected before surgery from the irrigation bag and at 15-minute intervals from the sterile surgical drape reservoir during the procedure. Suture materials used for ACL graft and meniscus repair were also tested. All samples underwent a 14-day incubation period. Follow-up assessments were conducted at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 6 months, with a final evaluation at 12 months.

Results: No significant difference in contamination rates was observed between the control and intervention groups. The mean contamination rate was 6.4% (n = 22) in the control group and 6.6% (n = 24) in the intervention group (p = 0.28). Of the 119 participants, 110 completed the 12-month follow-up (52 control, 58 intervention). Statistical analyses showed no significant differences in age (p = 0.19), BMI (p = 0.66), or surgery duration (p = 0.38) between the groups. No early SSI cases were detected in either group postoperatively.

Discussion and conclusions: The findings suggest that the use of antiseptic wash lotion and gloves does not significantly impact the risk of bacterial contamination during ACL reconstruction surgery.