How You Can Save Your Own ACL with ACL Repair and the BEAR® Implant
How You Can Save Your Own ACL with ACL Repair and the BEAR® Implant
Every year, approximately 400,000 ACL injuries occur in the United States. A torn ACL will not heal on its own, making ACL reconstruction one of the most commonly performed orthopedic procedures. While effective, reconstruction may not allow every patient to return to the same level of activity or sports they enjoyed before their injury.
Traditional ACL Reconstruction
Historically, orthopedic surgeons have had limited treatment options for ACL tears. Traditional ACL reconstruction involves removing the damaged ACL and replacing it with either:
- An autograft (a tendon taken from the patient's own body), or
- An allograft (a donor tendon).
Although this has been the standard of care for many years, it also comes with limitations.
A New Option: The BEAR® Implant
At Restoration Orthopedics, we are proud to offer the BEAR® (Bridge-Enhanced ACL Repair) Implant.
The BEAR Implant is the first FDA-approved technology designed to help the body heal its own torn ACL. Rather than replacing the ligament, this innovative approach preserves the patient's native ACL, representing the first major advancement in ACL treatment in more than 30 years.
How the BEAR Implant Works
Unlike traditional ACL reconstruction, the BEAR Implant:
- Does not require harvesting a healthy tendon from another part of the body.
- Eliminates the need for donor tissue.
- Acts as a bridge between the torn ends of the ACL.
- Uses a small amount of the patient's own blood to stimulate healing.
During the minimally invasive procedure, the implant is placed between the torn ends of the ACL. Over approximately eight weeks, the implant is naturally absorbed by the body as the ligament heals.
Benefits of Preserving Your ACL
Repairing the patient's own ACL offers several potential advantages over reconstruction:
- Preserves the body's natural ligament.
- Avoids a second surgical site for tendon harvesting.
- May result in faster recovery of muscle strength.
- Allows for easier revision surgery if another injury occurs.
- Has demonstrated high patient satisfaction in returning to sports.
Clinical studies have also shown that the repaired ACL can regain quality and size similar to a healthy, uninjured ACL.
Considerations
As with any surgical procedure, ACL repair with the BEAR Implant carries potential risks, including:
- Re-tear
- Infection
- Knee pain
- Meniscus injury
- Limited range of motion
Your orthopedic surgeon will determine whether you are an appropriate candidate based on your injury, MRI findings, activity level, and overall health.
Are You a Candidate?
If you or your child has been diagnosed with a partial or complete ACL tear, you may be a candidate for ACL repair using the BEAR Implant.
Schedule a consultation with Restoration Orthopedics to discuss your treatment options and determine whether preserving your own ACL is the right choice for you.
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