After BEAR Implant surgery, patients often have questions about when they can resume everyday life activities, such as driving or going up and down stairs. While exact timing is based on your individual rehabilitation progress, there are general guidelines for when you can expect to get back to these activities.

In general, activities are most restricted during the first six weeks following the procedure, when your body is working hard to restore your ACL. Your new ACL is delicate, so you’ll be wearing a brace, using crutches and limiting range of motion and load bearing to allow the ligament to heal. Following the BEAR Implant rehabilitation program will help protect your ACL during the healing process while enabling you to meet important rehabilitation goals designed to get you back to these activities and, ultimately, an active lifestyle.

1. When can I travel on an airplane?

Timing: No restrictions

There are no restrictions on air travel after surgery. In fact, many patients have flown across the U.S. or from another country to have the BEAR Implant procedure, and then they have returned home shortly after surgery. However, the bracing and load bearing restrictions may make flying uncomfortable. Here are some considerations for traveling on an airplane in the first six weeks after surgery:

• Sitting: You can unlock the knee brace to 30-45 degrees while sitting, so you’ll be able to put your leg under the seat in front of you. Keep in mind that it may not be comfortable to be confined to one position for an extended period of time.
• Load Bearing: You should avoid activities that require you to put more than 50% of your body weight on your knee, so you need to make sure that you are able to maneuver on your crutches and not carry heavy items, like luggage.
• Standing: Your leg needs to be straight with the brace on while standing and walking, so you’ll need to build in extra time to get through the airport.

2. When can I go up and down stairs?

Timing: Between 7-12 weeks

At four to six weeks, you’ll start stair training as part of your rehabilitation. Your physical therapist will clear you to use the stairs once you can safely go up and down without significant pain or instability. Until then, it is recommended that you “scoot” up and down the stairs in a seated position. If you live in a two-story house, you may want to consider relocating your essential activities to the first floor.

3. When can I drive a car?

Timing: At least 2 weeks

If you got the BEAR Implant in your left leg, you can drive a car with an automatic transmission once you are no longer taking narcotic pain relievers and you can safely get into and out of the car. Depending on the size or height of your car, you may find it difficult to get yourself in and situated with your knee brace locked at 30 degrees.

If you got the BEAR Implant in your right leg, you may be able to drive a car with an automatic transmission around 2 weeks. That’s when your knee brace is unlocked to 90 degrees. Not everyone feels strong enough at 2 weeks to drive, so it’s best to discuss your individual progress with your physical therapist.

4. When can I play sports?

Timing: Between 9-12 months

You can return to sports once you meet all the return-to-sport criteria – typically around 9 months. Your physical therapist will conduct return-to-sport testing to ensure your knee is strong and able to perform the movements needed for your sport. Key criteria include that you feel confident when running, cutting and jumping at full speed, you can hop on your BEAR Implant knee at nearly the same level as your other knee and you are confident in the function of your knee.

5. When can I run?

Timing: After 18 weeks

Straight line running as part of physical therapy on a treadmill or protected environment can begin after 18 weeks if you’ve met your rehabilitation goals to that point. Running outside of physical therapy is typically on the same timeline as returning to sport.

6. When can I carry my baby?

Timing: At least 4 weeks

While you’re using crutches, it is recommended that you hold your baby only while sitting. This is for the safety of the baby and so that you don’t exceed the 50% load bearing restriction. You should be able to graduate off crutches starting at 4 weeks, and shortly after that you can carry heavier objects if you feel ready.  

Who should you contact if you have questions?

It is common to have questions about your recovery and how your recovery is progressing. Each person’s BEAR Implant procedure and recovery are unique, so contact your surgical team with any questions. If they need further guidance, they will reach out to Miach Orthopaedics.

The BEAR Implant from Miach Orthopaedics was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in December 2020. It is indicated for adults, adolescents and children with a complete or partial rupture of the ACL, as confirmed by MRI. Patients must have an ACL stump attached to the tibia to construct the repair. Children with open physes must have sufficient bone in the femoral and tibial epiphyses on either side of the intended tunnel locations to avoid disruption of the growth plates.

Visit www.miachortho.com for complete product information, including Instructions for Use.

ML-1072 Rev A 12/2022