Heal your own ACL: A new option for athletes and active people

The BEAR Implant (Bridge-Enhanced ACL Repair) is the first major advancement in ACL surgery in more than 30 years. Rather than removing the torn ligament, this procedure encourages the ACL to heal itself—a less invasive approach.

Here’s how it works:

• I reconnect the torn ends of the ACL using suture and a patch made of the BEAR implant which is a soft, collagen-based sponge soaked with your own blood.
• This patch creates the environment your body needs to rebuild the ligament.
• Over time, the collagen sponge dissolves, and your ACL heals.

Because we are not harvesting tissue from your hamstring, quadriceps or patellar tendon, this procedure avoids a second surgical site and often leads to a more comfortable recovery. Studies also show it may lead to faster recovery of muscle strength and increased confidence in returning to activity.

More than 5,000 BEAR procedures have been performed nationwide, and I’m proud to be the only surgeon in our region currently offering this innovative option.

The recovery timeline for ACL repair with the BEAR Implant is similar to that of a traditional ACL reconstruction. Most patients return to sports in nine to 12 months. That timeline allows for full healing of the ligament and for strength, balance and limb symmetry to be restored.

What I often see with BEAR ACL repair patients, however, is that they feel “back to normal” earlier in their recovery, often by month three or four. While it’s exciting to see that kind of progress, I always remind patients that we still need to wait for the body to fully heal. We won’t clear anyone to return to sports until they pass a series of strength and function tests.

It’s not just about a pain free knee. We want to the entire leg to be able to perform with strength, stability, symmetry in order to protect the person long term.

The BEAR Implant is FDA-approved for adults, teens, and children. It only works when there is still a portion of the ACL attached to the tibia that we can repair. While an MRI gives me a good idea, the final decision is sometimes made during surgery based on what I see.

Each case is unique. That’s why I take the time to talk with every patient and family about their goals, expectations, and treatment options. For some, a traditional ACL reconstruction may still be the best choice. For others, ACL repair with the BEAR Implant offers a less invasive path to recovery.

In 2023, I was honored to be the first surgeon in Tennessee to perform a BEAR Implant procedure. Today, I remain the only provider in our region offering this advanced treatment, which means patients can access leading-edge care close to home.

When patients ask if they would receive better care in a larger city, I can confidently tell them, “You’re already in the best place for the care you need.”