The BEAR (Bridge-Enhanced ACL Repair) procedure is a newer, innovative technique for treating ACL injuries that focuses on helping the ACL heal naturally rather than reconstructing it with a graft.
Traditional ACL reconstruction involves replacing the torn ligament with a tendon graft from the patient’s body or a donor. BEAR, however, uses a collagen-based implant that acts as a scaffold to promote the healing of the native ACL.
Here’s a breakdown of the BEAR procedure:
1. How It Works
- The surgeon places the BEAR implant, a sponge-like device, between the two torn ends of the ACL.
- The implant is soaked in the patient’s blood, which promotes cellular healing.
- Over time, the body uses this collagen implant as a framework, allowing the torn ligament to regenerate and reconnect naturally.
2. Advantages
- Preservation of Native ACL: Since it allows the body to repair the native ligament, it retains more of the original ACL structure, which may improve knee stability and biomechanics.
- Reduced Need for Grafts: This approach avoids using a tendon graft, which can reduce the potential complications and donor site morbidity associated with traditional ACL reconstruction.
- Potential for Faster Recovery: Some early studies suggest that the BEAR procedure might allow for a quicker or more natural healing process, though long-term studies are still underway.
3. Effectiveness and Research
- The BEAR procedure is still relatively new, so research is ongoing to determine its effectiveness compared to traditional ACL reconstruction. Early results, however, show promise in both healing rates and patient satisfaction.
4. Ideal Candidates
- Currently, BEAR is primarily indicated for patients with ACL tears that are recent and proximal (near the attachment to the femur), as studies have shown that these types of tears respond best to this technique.
The BEAR procedure represents a shift in ACL repair, moving towards natural ligament healing rather than replacement.
Author
Dr. Catherine Logan, MD, MBA
Catherine Logan, MD, MBA, MSPT, is a sports medicine orthopaedic surgeon specializing in complex knee and shoulder surgery at Colorado Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics (COSMO) in Denver, Colorado. As a former physical therapist & trainer, Dr. Logan provides a distinct expertise in sports injury, prevention, and surgical management.
