When 22-year-old Hadley Snyder tore her anterior cruciate ligament tear (ACL) during her freshman year of Division 1 college soccer at the University of Louisville, she didn’t realize at first how serious the injury was. She continued to train through instability for several days before receiving the diagnosis. Her team doctor was Dr. Mark Smith, an orthopaedic surgeon at Ellis & Badenhausen Orthopaedics in Louisville, Kentucky, who introduced her to the BEAR Implant.

Her surgery was followed by a disciplined recovery process over 9 months, filled with small wins and a relentless drive to get back on the soccer field. Not long after, she was playing some of the biggest minutes of her career in the elite Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Now, three and a half years after her injury, Hadley is using her medical redshirt season at the University of Southern California (USC), where she continues to compete at the Division 1 level in the Big 10 conference. We spoke with Hadley and Dr. Smith about her BEAR Implant experience, the rehab process, and her return to soccer.

Q: How did you injure your ACL?

Hadley: I tore my ACL playing soccer in 2022 during my freshman season at the University of Louisville. I’m a defender and during training I planted to cut and heard a loud pop in my knee. I initially had no pain and actually continued training for several more days, though my knee felt unstable at times. Later that week, my knee hyperextended while sprinting, after which I began experiencing some pain and swelling. An MRI the next day confirmed the ACL tear.

Q: How did you learn about the BEAR Implant and why did you choose it?

Hadley: Dr. Smith was our team doctor at University of Louisville, so he read my MRI and confirmed the ACL injury. He explained that based on the way my ACL was torn, I would be a perfect candidate for the BEAR Implant, a newer ACL restoration technique. Both Dr. Smith and my team athletic trainer agreed that this would be a good option for me, so I did not research other ACL reconstruction (ACLR) options. I chose the BEAR Implant because I would get to keep my original ACL and I wouldn’t need a graft, which comes with the risk of patellar tendonitis.

Q: What, in your opinion, is most notable about the BEAR Implant?

Dr. Smith: I utilize the BEAR Implant and associated procedure due to the fact that we are actually able to help athletes heal their ACL and return to high-level sporting events with success.

Q: Why was Hadley a good candidate for the BEAR Implant?

Dr. Smith: Ms. Snyder is among several athletes I have treated with a BEAR Implant and allowed their successful return to high-level sports. An MRI showed a tear of the ACL with bone contusions in the medial and lateral compartments. Her physical examination did show a mild effusion with notable laxity on a Lachman’s and minimal joint line tenderness. Her MRI had shown what appeared to be primarily a proximal avulsion of her ACL. In Ms. Snyder’s particular case, her examination was consistent with an ACL tear; however, she did not show any associated malalignment or secondary ligament injuries. She also showed a fairly long ACL which appeared to be primarily avulsed from the lateral femoral condyle. I felt that she was an excellent candidate to utilize this procedure, also knowing she would obtain excellent rehabilitation at the University of Louisville.

Q: What was the rehab experience like?

Hadley: Rehab was fairly conservative at first. I wasn’t able to bear any weight on my leg and had to be on crutches for six weeks. The early phase was challenging, mostly because I was so eager to just get back to walking again. It was also difficult navigating the process, since some trainers or other teammates who had gone through ACLR couldn’t understand or relate to the early sensations I felt. I initially noticed some clicking in my knee, but once I understood how the BEAR Implant worked and what was causing those sensations, it eased my concern.

I was fortunate to do my rehab at the University of Louisville, where I had access to extensive resources, including the Hydroworks underwater treadmill, which helped me relearn walking and running mechanics in a reduced-load environment. I also worked closely with a dedicated athletic trainer who supported my rehab daily. I began running on grass again around four months post-op, and from that point on, my knee has felt surprisingly normal, with very little pain and no major issues.

Mentally, rehab was challenging, but I was able to stay motivated by competing against myself, trying to improve a little bit each day. Focusing on small milestones helped me stay grounded and kept me in a positive headspace.  

Dr. Smith: Ms. Snyder had an excellent course of physical therapy and recovered well. She was able to return to full-contact soccer and training in 9 months after her original BEAR Implant procedure and was successfully able to play intercollegiate soccer for three years at the University of Louisville.

Q: Tell us about your return to soccer.

Hadley: I was cleared to return to sport at 9 months post-surgery, but I wasn’t playing with full confidence in my knee until around the 1-year mark. I was cleared for contact the first day of preseason my sophomore year, so there was not much time for me to get back in before the season began. Looking back, I recognize that I was subconsciously cautious the first couple of months back, but throughout that season, I slowly built back my confidence in my knee and gained reps in training and games. Over winter break that year, I recall playing in a summer league tryout and finally feeling back to normal. By the spring of my sophomore year, I was a starter on the team at the University of Louisville and played some of the most minutes on the team the following two seasons.  

Q: How does your BEAR Implant knee feel now, nearly 4 years after surgery?

Hadley: My knee feels great.  I am back to having 100% confidence in my knee. Early on in rehab, I had some tightness, clicking, and locking sensations, but now I don’t notice any issues. I am playing better than I ever have, and I have learned to feel fully confident cutting, running, and jumping like normal. Thankfully, since I did not have to use a graft like some people I know who got ACLR. I don’t have issues I have heard are common such as tendonitis or swelling.

Q: How has the BEAR Implant technology impacted how you treat ACL tears for your patients?

Dr. Smith: I have been very pleased with the use of the BEAR Implant. I think that it offers an alternative to use of a graft and ACLR. I have had excellent success with high-risk athletes in female soccer and basketball Level 1 cutting sports, as well as with Level 2 sports.

Q: What are some of your recent milestones or accomplishments when it comes to soccer?

Hadley: Some of my greatest accomplishments of my playing career have come after my ACL restoration. It had been a lifelong dream of mine to play college soccer, and the dream was even sweeter getting to play for my hometown school. Growing into a consistent starter and playing meaningful minutes in my last two seasons was a major accomplishment for me. This past season, I helped my team to one of the program’s best records, including an undefeated home slate, and an appearance in both the ACC and NCAA tournaments. I also scored two goals this past season as a center back, the first of my collegiate career. Now, I have the opportunity to use my fifth season of eligibility at USC, which is another accomplishment I am proud of.

Q: What has been the biggest impact of your recovery?

Hadley: The biggest impact of my recovery is being able to get back to playing soccer. The BEAR Implant gave me the ability to play my sport again. Of course, I wish I never tore my ACL, but the process taught me perseverance and mental toughness. It also gave me the opportunity to play another season of college soccer.

Q: What advice would you give to other patients who’ve torn their ACL?

Hadley: I would advise anyone who has torn their ACL to be patient with themselves, be confident that you can come back stronger than ever and be ready to work. The rehab process is long, and everyone’s recovery follows a unique timeline, so don’t compare yourself to others who have gone through the process. Show up every day ready to work hard and never stop believing in what you can achieve.

Q: Can you tell us about your future goals?

Hadley: My short-term goals for this season at USC include contributing meaningful minutes, taking a leadership role, and helping my team to deep runs in both the Big 10 and NCAA tournaments. After graduating with my master’s degree in digital media management in December, I hope to pursue professional soccer. When I retire from soccer, I plan to pursue a career in the sports, fitness, or wellness industries.

Learn more about the BEAR Implant and find a surgeon

The BEAR Implant is available across the U.S. Learn more about the BEAR Implant or find a surgeon in your area. If you’re a parent considering the BEAR Implant for your child, click here for more information. If you’re a BEAR Implant patient and would like to share your story, click here.

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. In patients 14 years and older who have an ACL injury with concomitant knee injuries, ACL restoration with the BEAR Implant reduces the risk of developing post-traumatic knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2 or higher), at 6-years post-surgery, compared to ACL reconstruction (ACLR) surgery using hamstring tendon autograft.

It is important to follow the BEAR Implant physical therapy program. Your surgeon can explain the program details.

Be sure to discuss your individual symptoms, diagnosis and treatment with your surgeon. The BEAR Implant has the same potential medical/surgical complications as other orthopedic surgical procedures, including ACL reconstruction. These include the risk of re-tear, infection, knee pain, meniscus injury and limited range of motion.

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

ML-1449 Rev A 07/2026