Bridge-enhanced ACL repair

BEAR® Implant

Rehabilitation Protocol

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.

The BEAR Implant is a decellularized, bovine-derived, type I collagen implant designed to resorb within 8 weeks of implantation.

It contains additional extracellular matrix molecules, enhancing its regenerative properties.
The implant is manufactured without the use of chemical cross-linking agents.
It features a cylindrical shape measuring 45 mm in length and 22 mm in diameter.

Reconstruction

Replaces the ACL with a graft

The BEAR Implant is different.

Restores the native ACL

Bridges the gap between the ends of the torn ACL Clinically effective for majority of ACL tear types, proximal to distal

Primary Repair

Reapproximation of tissue with suture

Reconstruction

Replaces the ACL with a graft

Primary Repair

Reapproximation of tissue with suture

The BEAR Implant is different.

Restores the native ACL

Bridges the gap between the ends of the torn ACL Clinically effective for majority of ACL tear types, proximal to distal

Autologous whole blood is utilized in combination with the BEAR Implant to create a clot, which serves as a bridge between the torn ends of the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament). This innovative approach not only facilitates the bridging of the gap but also shields the clot from the potentially harsh synovial environment, ensuring its protection and optimal healing conditions.

The BEAR Implant actively promotes the body’s inherent healing response by providing support for cell migration and proliferation processes.

After a span of eight weeks, the BEAR Implant undergoes resorption and is gradually substituted with native cells, collagen, and blood vessels. This natural replacement process allows the development of new tissue, which further undergoes remodeling and gains strength over time.

The rehabilitation protocol for the BEAR Implant has undergone meticulous design to ensure the protection of the ACL during the healing process. For more detailed information, please refer to the BEAR Implant PT protocol.

Proximal Avulsion

Proximal

Mid-Substance

Distal

Distal Avulsion

Level 1 Clinical Evidence

Comparable IKDC and AP laxity scores vs. ACLR at 2 years
Superior in return to sport index, hamstring/quad ratio, hamstring strength, KOOS pain and symptoms*
Trend toward fewer complications on both ipsilateral and contralateral knees

Preservation of Native ACL Orientation

Restores native ACL and orientation
Eliminates donor site morbidity
Potential for more normal joint mechanics
Potential for decreased post-traumatic osteoarthritis (demonstrated only in animals)

‘Burn No Bridges’

Revisions easier than a revised ACLR
Early data show trend toward better outcomes with a revision after the BEAR Implant

Easy, Reproducible Procedure

Minimal learning curve
No need for deceased donor tissue, no special requirements for implant storage/ handling
Effective across a broad range of tear types (Type 1 through Type 4)

*As measured at 6 months, 6 and 12 months, 6 and 12 months, and 12 months, respectively.

Patients may be candidates for the BEAR Implant if they meet these criteria.

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

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