Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tears are one of the most common knee injuries, especially among athletes in San Francisco and the Bay Area. For years, the standard treatment has been ACL reconstruction, a surgical procedure that replaces the torn ligament with a graft taken from another part of your body (autograft) or from a donor (allograft). But now, there’s a groundbreaking alternative: the BEAR (Bridge-Enhanced ACL Restoration) Implant.
California Pacific Orthopaedics is proud to be among the select few in San Francisco offering this innovative procedure. The BEAR Implant is the first FDA-approved medical technology to enable the body to heal its own torn ACL. This means no grafts, no donor tissue, and a more natural-feeling knee after recovery.
So, how does it work? The BEAR implant is a soft, sponge-like device made of collagen that is placed between the torn ends of your ACL during a minimally invasive procedure. The implant is injected with your own blood and acts as a bridge, creating a stable environment for the ligament to heal itself. Over the next 8 weeks, the implant is absorbed by your body and replaced with your own healthy ACL tissue.
This is a game-changer for ACL treatment, and our team of expert orthopedic surgeons at California Pacific Orthopaedics is here to help you determine if the BEAR Implant is the right choice for you.
Why is the BEAR Implant Procedure Done?
The BEAR Implant procedure is done to repair a torn ACL, which is a crucial ligament for knee stability. A torn ACL can cause pain, swelling, and instability in the knee, making it difficult to participate in sports and other physical activities. If left untreated, an ACL tear can also lead to long-term problems like arthritis.
Traditionally, ACL reconstruction has been the go-to treatment. However, this procedure has some drawbacks. For example, using a graft from your own body can lead to pain and weakness at the harvest site. And while donor grafts are an option, they come with a small risk of disease transmission.
The BEAR Implant offers a number of advantages over traditional ACL reconstruction:
- It allows your own ACL to heal. This means you keep your natural anatomy and knee function.
- There’s no need for a second surgical site to harvest a graft. This can lead to less pain and a quicker recovery of muscle strength.
- It has a lower risk of complications. Since there is no graft, there is no risk of graft-site morbidity.
- It may reduce the risk of post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Animal studies have shown that the BEAR Implant may help protect the knee from developing arthritis after an ACL injury.
What to Expect: Before, During, and After the BEAR Implant Procedure
Before the Procedure:
If you and your surgeon at California Pacific Orthopaedics decide that the BEAR Implant is right for you, you’ll need to do a few things to prepare for surgery. This may include:
- A physical exam and imaging tests. Your doctor will want to make sure you’re healthy enough for surgery and that the BEAR Implant is the right treatment for your specific injury. This will likely involve an MRI to confirm the ACL tear.
- Pre-habilitation. This is a program of exercises designed to strengthen the muscles around your knee and improve your range of motion before surgery. Pre-hab can help you have a better outcome after surgery.
- Stopping certain medications. You may need to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, for a week or two before surgery.
- Arranging for a ride home. You won’t be able to drive yourself home after the procedure, so you’ll need to arrange for a friend or family member to pick you up.
During the Procedure:
The BEAR Implant procedure is a minimally invasive surgery that is performed arthroscopically. This means your surgeon will make a few small incisions around your knee and use a tiny camera, called an arthroscope, to see inside.
Here’s a step-by-step look at what happens during the procedure:
- Anesthesia. You’ll be given anesthesia to keep you comfortable during the surgery. This may be general anesthesia, which puts you to sleep, or regional anesthesia, which numbs your leg.
- Incisions. Your surgeon will make a few small incisions around your knee.
- Arthroscopy. An arthroscope will be inserted into one of the incisions. This will allow your surgeon to see the inside of your knee on a monitor.
- Implant placement. The BEAR Implant will be placed in the space between the two torn ends of your ACL.
- Blood injection. A small amount of your own blood will be injected into the implant to activate clot formation.
- Suturing. The torn ends of your ACL will be stitched to the implant.
- Closure. The incisions will be closed with stitches or staples.
The entire procedure usually takes about an hour.
After the Procedure:
After the surgery, you’ll be taken to a recovery room where you’ll be monitored for a few hours. You’ll be given pain medication to help manage any discomfort. You’ll also be fitted with a knee brace to protect your healing ACL.
Here’s what you can expect during your recovery:
- The first few weeks. You’ll need to use crutches and wear a knee brace for the first 4-6 weeks after surgery. You’ll also need to limit your activity and follow a specific rehabilitation protocol.
- Physical therapy. Physical therapy is a crucial part of your recovery. You’ll start physical therapy within a week of your surgery and will continue for several months. Your physical therapist will teach you exercises to help you regain your strength, range of motion, and stability.
- Return to activity. Most people can return to their normal activities, including sports, within 9-12 months of surgery. However, your individual recovery will depend on a number of factors, including your age, your overall health, and how well you follow your rehabilitation protocol.
Is the BEAR Implant Right for You?
The BEAR Implant is a great option for many people with ACL tears, but it’s not right for everyone. You may be a good candidate for the BEAR Implant if you:
- Are at least 14 years old and skeletally mature.
- Have a complete ACL tear.
- Have an ACL stump attached to the tibia.
- Are able to have surgery within 50 days of your injury.
The best way to find out if the BEAR Implant is right for you is to schedule a consultation with one of our expert orthopedic surgeons at California Pacific Orthopaedics. We’ll be happy to answer all of your questions and help you make an informed decision about your treatment.
For more information regarding the BEAR Implant, please visit the manufacturer’s website.
