Tearing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a common and often devastating injury, particularly for athletes. Until recently, the standard treatment has been ACL reconstruction, which replaces the torn ligament with a graft from another part of the body or a donor. Now, WMCHealth is offering a groundbreaking alternative: the Bridge-Enhanced ACL Restoration (BEAR) implant.

“The BEAR implant allows us to preserve the patient’s native ACL and support its healing, which has significant benefits,” explains Rachel Talley-Bruns, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at WMCHealth.

How Does the BEAR Implant Work?

The BEAR implant is a collagen scaffold that serves as a bridge between the torn ends of the ACL.

During the procedure, the surgeon injects a small amount of the patient’s blood into the implant before placing it between the torn ACL ends. This process stimulates the body’s natural healing response. Over time, the implant is absorbed, and the repaired ligament regains strength. The key benefit of this approach is that it preserves the patient’s native ACL and does not require harvesting tissue from another part of the body, making it a less invasive option.

Who is a Candidate for the BEAR Implant?

Ideal candidates for the BEAR implant include:

• Patients at least 2 years old
• Those with a complete or partial ACL tear confirmed by MRI
• Patients with an ACL stump still attached to the tibia
• Those with a recent ACL injury

“Patients who have a partial tear with instability are great candidates,” says Dr. Talley-Bruns. “Younger patients and athletes are excellent candidates, especially those closer to their injury date. It’s probably not the best option for people with chronic ACL injuries from years ago.”

How Do Patients Benefit?

The BEAR implant offers several advantages:

• Preserves the patient’s natural knee anatomy
• Eliminates the need for graft harvesting or donor tissue
• Makes future surgeries, if needed, much simpler

“I saw a young patient whose ACL reconstruction from years ago failed. Now we’re faced with complicated decisions about graft options and possible bone grafting,” Dr. Talley-Bruns explains. “If the BEAR implant had existed when he was first injured, the conversation would be much simpler—it’s a lot easier to do a reconstruction after a BEAR procedure than to revise a failed reconstruction.”

What Can Patients Expect After Surgery?

Recovery from BEAR implant surgery is similar to traditional reconstruction:

• Patients wear a knee brace for about 6 weeks
• More restricted range of motion initially to keep the implant in place
• Running typically begins at 3-4 months
• Full return to sports at around 9 months

While the BEAR Implant has many benefits, patients should be aware of potential risks including re-tear, infection, knee pain, and limited range of motion, similar to risks with traditional ACL surgery. To learn more about WMCHealth’s orthopedic services, visit our website or call 914.789.2700 to make an appointment.