CHA Launches Exciting New Procedure for ACL Surgery
In June, CHA did its first ACL surgery using the BEAR procedure, a revolutionary way to repair torn anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL) in the knee.
BEAR, short for Bridge-Enhanced ACL Repair, is a new procedure approved by the FDA in 2020. Unlike traditional ACL surgeries, which use graft tissue from another part of the body, or a deceased donor, to reconstruct a new ACL, the BEAR procedure uses a special protein-enhanced implant to reconnect the torn ligament. The implant stimulates the body’s own healing power to allow the ACL to grow back on its own.
According to Orthopedic Sports Medicine Surgeon Jason Freedman, MD, who is bringing the BEAR procedure to CHA, “ACL tears are one of the most common knee injuries, especially in younger athletes. Many ACL tears require surgery and rehab - and that’s where we come in.
“The BEAR procedure is a quicker surgery to restore the body’s own anatomy. This often results in less pain and potentially a faster recovery. This is exciting as it allows us to bring state-of-the-art care to our patients at CHA.”
It’s important to know that there are specific criteria for the BEAR procedure. The patient must have a full ACL tear but have sufficient ACL tissue remaining to use the implant. The surgery must also be done within 2-3 months of the injury.
“As an orthopedic surgeon, my primary goal is to help patients get back to their normal activities as soon as possible. While we have treated thousands of ACLs using traditional methods, the BEAR procedure is a breakthrough because it uses the body’s own healing power,” said Dr. Freedman. “This allows the ACL to heal in the most natural way, restoring the torn ACL to the same quality, size and strength as it was before injury, which is great news for us and our patients.”
Learn more about the BEAR procedure by visiting the manufacturer’s website.
To make an appointment with a CHA Sports Medicine Surgeon, please call 617-665-1566 or visit www.challiance.org/ortho.