BEAR Implant
The BEAR Implant is the first medical advancement to enable your body to heal its own torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
That’s a big deal, because until now your ACL would have been replaced with either another tendon from your body or a tendon from a deceased donor.
The BEAR Implant is different because it works with your own blood to heal the torn ends of your ACL back together.
A thick liquid – called synovial fluid – reduces friction between the bones when you move your knee. As important as this fluid is for proper knee function, it also prevents the formation of blood clots that are critical for healing.
Torn ACL
Surgeon adds patient’s own blood
Surgeon inserts BEAR Implant between torn ends of ACL
BEAR Implant is replaced with healed ACL
The BEAR Implant is designed to hold and protect your blood in the gap between the ACL ends to allow the formation of clot, which is necessary for healing.
ACL tears are often treated with surgery called ACL reconstruction. During ACL reconstruction, an orthopedic surgeon removes your torn ACL and replaces it with a graft from another part of your leg (called an autograft) or a deceased donor (called an allograft). Although ACL reconstruction is effective, the procedure has drawbacks; many people are unable to return to the same level of daily activities or sports.
one surgical wound site to heal
remaining ACL tissue is preserved and your ACL is restored
two surgical wound sites (autograft) or one surgical wound site (allograft) to heal
remaining ACL tissue is removed and replaced with a graft
Are at least 14 years old and skeletally mature
Have a complete rupture of their ACL confirmed by MRI
Can undergo surgery within 50 days of tearing their ACL
Helps your own ACL heal
Restores torn ACL quality and size similar to your non-injured ACL
Simple outpatient procedure
No need for grafts
Faster recovery of muscle strength
Higher patient satisfaction with being ready to return to sports
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.
The BEAR Implant was cleared by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and is indicated for skeletally mature patients at least 14 years of age with a complete rupture of the ACL, as confirmed by MRI. Patients must have an ACL stump attached to the tibia to construct the repair.
