Daniel Howard, MD, FAAOS, First in Westchester, NY to Perform BEAR Implant for ACL Tears

ACL injuries, affecting around 400,000 individuals annually in the United States, have traditionally been treated through ACL reconstruction, a surgical procedure involving the removal and replacement of the torn ligament. 

At Somers Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine Group, we are now offering a new technology called the BEAR® (Bridge-Enhanced ACL Restoration) Implant. The BEAR Implant is the first medical advancement granted approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that enables the body to heal its own torn ACL. This new approach is a paradigm shift from ACL reconstruction and is the first innovation in ACL tear treatment in more than 30 years. Our very own Daniel Howard, MD, Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon, Fellowship-trained in Sports Medicine, is the first in Westchester County, New York to have completed the BEAR Implant procedure, and he is currently the only surgeon in Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess Counties as well as the Danbury, CT, area offering this exciting procedure. 

ACL Injuries - An Overview

The knee's stability relies on the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), one of its key ligaments preventing the tibia (shin bone) from moving forward and controlling rotational knee movements. Typically caused by non-contact incidents during activities like running, rapidly changing directions, or landing from a jump, ACL injuries often result in a popping sensation, knee pain, swelling, and joint instability.

Standard ACL Reconstruction vs. BEAR Implant

Treatment approaches for ACL injuries vary, with surgical reconstruction, where a new ligament is created from a graft, being the standard for those desiring a return to high-impact activities. However, the new BEAR Implant marks a paradigm shift, eliminating the need for grafts and offering a more minimally invasive option. Unlike traditional ACL reconstruction, the BEAR Implant promotes healing by acting as a bridge between torn ACL ends, using the patient's blood to facilitate the process. This revolutionary approach allows for natural healing while preserving the ACL's original attachments to the femur and tibia.

BEAR Implant - Advantages

The advantages of the BEAR Implant over standard reconstruction surgery are notable. It enables the body to heal its own ACL, restoring its size and quality comparable to the uninjured ACL. The outpatient procedure boasts a faster recovery of muscle strength and higher patient satisfaction in returning to sports.

Risks and Limitations of the BEAR Implant

Following the BEAR Implant, patients are directed to follow the BEAR Implant physical therapy program. The BEAR Implant has the same potential medical and 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 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. The BEAR device must be implanted within 50 days of injury.

If you meet these criteria, you may be a candidate for the BEAR Implant procedure. With offices across Carmel, Newburgh, Mount Kisco, and Fishkill, New York, and Danbury, Connecticut, our team is committed to restoring your health so that you can get back to your active lifestyle as quickly and safely as possible. To learn more about how you can benefit from expert orthopedic treatment, call us (914-594-6240) or request an appointment today.

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Somers Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine Group