The ACL is a crucial ligament in the middle of the knee that keeps the knee stable when turning. Unfortunately, torn ACLs are among the most frequent knee injuries in the United States. Approximately 100,000 to 200,000 people in the country suffer ACL tears each year. Athletes that partake in high-intensity contact sports like basketball, football and soccer are especially vulnerable.
ACL reconstruction was the only treatment until recently. This complicated procedure needs tendons from other parts of the body or a tissue bank. Today, an ACL implant, which the FDA approved in December 2020, can be used to mend ACL tears.
Unlike standard reconstruction, the Bridge Enhanced ACL Repair (BEAR) Implant does not require the use of harvested tendons for ACL reconstruction. It is the only currently accessible alternative to reconstruction with autograft, allograft or suture-only repair for ACL rupture treatment.
Cutting Edge ACL Repair and Faster Recovery
The BEAR Implant is a resorbable implant made of bovine collagen. It is attached by sutures to bridge the gap between the damaged ends of a patient’s ACL.
During the surgical implantation operation, the patient’s own blood is put into the implant to generate a device-protected clot that activates the healing process. It is absorbed and overtaken by the body’s own tissue within two months of the BEAR implant surgery.
The BEAR Implant can be used on patients over 14 years old with a fully torn ACL, which can be seen on an MRI. For the repair, patients also need an ACL stump connected to the tibia.
Despite its effectiveness, traditional ACL reconstruction can have side effects due to its complexity. These complications are avoided with the Bridge Enhanced ACL Restoration procedure since it does not require tissue transplantation. Instead, it keeps the natural connections between the ACL and the knee joints and uses an implant filled with the patient’s blood to help the knee heal.
Scheduling a Consultation for BEAR Implant Surgery in New York
Although new to the medical field, this technique has already proven to be a groundbreaking addition. The BEAR implant offers new possibilities to the hundreds of thousands of Americans who suffer from ACL rupture each year.
One of America’s top orthopedic surgeons, Dr. Jonathan Glashow, who specializes in treating sports injuries with innovative joint treatments, recently treated soccer player and coach Adam Marcu with great success using the Bridge Enhanced ACL Restoration procedure. His surgical approach and rehabilitation strategy halved Mr. Marcu’s ACL injury healing time. However, only some people who tear their ACL are suitable candidates for the BEAR implant; thus, a preliminary consultation with Dr. Glashow is required.
Dr. Glashow has spent decades treating professional athletes and people from all over the world. During your meeting, he can evaluate your condition and medical history to see if the BEAR implant is a viable ACL tear reconstruction solution for you. Contact our office today to schedule your appointment.