ACL injuries are among the most common and frustrating injuries in sports. For decades, ACL reconstruction using harvested tendons (either from the patient or a donor) was the gold standard. But now, the Bridge Enhanced ACL Repair (BEAR) Implant is transforming how surgeons like Dr. Jonathan L. Glashow, a leading orthopedic specialist in NYC, treat these tears. This revolutionary technique is creating a new path forward for patients—one that keeps their natural ACL structure intact and often leads to faster recovery.
A Shift from Reconstruction to Restoration
Unlike traditional ACL reconstruction, which involves grafting tissue from another part of the body or a donor, the BEAR Implant bridges the torn ends of the ACL and helps the ligament heal naturally. This collagen-based, resorbable implant is the only currently available alternative to graft-based repair, setting a new standard in orthopedic sports medicine.
By using the patient’s own blood during surgery, the BEAR Implant forms a protective clot inside the knee joint, kickstarting the body’s healing response. Within approximately eight weeks, the implant is absorbed and replaced by the body’s own tissue. This eliminates the need for donor sites and helps preserve the knee’s native anatomy—something traditional reconstruction simply can’t offer.
Back in the Game Faster
Recovery from standard ACL reconstruction can be long, complex, and painful, especially when tendons are harvested. The BEAR Implant simplifies this process. Because it doesn’t require a graft, it reduces surgical trauma and maintains the original biomechanics of the knee.
Dr. Glashow has already seen remarkable outcomes. He recently performed the BEAR Implant procedure on a professional athlete, cutting the expected recovery time in half. With this kind of result, the BEAR Implant isn’t just a new option—it’s a game-changer.
Expertise You Can Trust in the Heart of NYC
Located in New York City, with a second location in Miami, FL, Dr. Jonathan L. Glashow’s private orthopedic and sports medicine practice is renowned for delivering elite-level care, combining clinical expertise with the latest medical innovations. With decades of experience treating top-tier athletes, Dr. Glashow offers an evidence-based approach rooted in cutting-edge science and individualized care.
Not everyone with a torn ACL is a candidate for the BEAR Implant. It is approved for patients aged 14 and up who have a complete ACL tear confirmed by MRI and a remaining stump of the ligament still attached to the tibia. A consultation with Dr. Glashow is the first step to determine eligibility.
Schedule a Consultation for BEAR Implant Surgery in NYC
If you’ve experienced an ACL tear and want to explore options beyond traditional surgery, it’s time to talk to Dr. Glashow. His expertise, combined with the innovation of the BEAR Implant, could help you return to your sport—or your life—faster and stronger.
Contact our NYC office today to schedule your consultation and learn more about how the BEAR Implant is changing the future of ACL repair.
