Updated on Oct. 3, 2025
ACL injuries are among the most common knee injuries in the U.S., according to the National Library of Medicine, approximately 400,000 occur each year. For decades, the standard approach to treating a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) has been surgical reconstruction, which involves replacing the torn ligament with a graft from another part of the patient’s body or from a donor. While effective in many cases, this procedure has limitations and long-term risks, particularly the potential for permanent weakness at the donor site, a major concern for athletes and active individuals.
At Long Beach Medical Center, the Bridge-Enhanced ACL Restoration (BEAR) Implant is offered as a breakthrough treatment for ACL injuries. This innovative treatment is the first FDA-approved technology to help the body heal a torn ACL rather than replace it. Unlike traditional ACL reconstruction, the BEAR Implant enables the body to heal its own ligament—preserving native anatomy, eliminating donor site complications, and offering a higher patient satisfaction. Orthopedic surgeons have seen firsthand how the BEAR Implant is transforming outcomes for patients with ACL injuries, offering a more natural path to recovery with less long-term compromise.
Traditional ACL Reconstruction
Traditional ACL reconstruction has been the standard for over 30 years. It involves replacing the torn ACL with a tendon graft from either the patient's own hamstring, quadriceps or patellar tendon (autograft), or from a deceased donor (allograft). While common and generally successful, surgery can have some drawbacks.
Many patients experience long-term side effects such as:
- Persistent weakness at the donor site. This can lead to difficulty in performing activities that require strength in the muscles around the knee.
- Pain while kneeling, typical with patellar tendon grafts. This can be discomforting and may limit certain movements and activities that involve pressure on the knee.
- Pain or weakness jumping, particularly with patellar tendon grafts.
Even more concerning, more than half of athletes who undergo ACL reconstruction never return to their previous level of sport. These limitations have prompted ongoing research into alternatives that preserve the natural structure and function of the knee.
How the BEAR Implant Changes Things
The BEAR Implant offers a revolutionary solution by enabling the body to heal its own torn ACL tissue. Unlike reconstruction, it does not require a second surgical site or a donor graft. Instead, the BEAR Implant acts as a bridge between the torn end of the ACL and promotes the area to heal on its own.
Here’s how it works:
During the Bridge-enhanced ACL restoration (BEAR) procedure, a minimally invasive surgery, the BEAR Implant is placed between the torn ends of the ACL. A small amount of the patient’s own blood is injected into the implant. The blood-infused implant creates an ideal environment for healing, encouraging the torn ACL to regenerate and reattach naturally to the femur and tibia. Over time, the implant is absorbed by the body, leaving behind the patient's own tissue. This technique preserves the ACL’s native anatomy and original attachment points—something that reconstruction cannot do.
Benefits of BEAR vs. Reconstruction
One of the most compelling aspects of the BEAR Implant is that it restores biological function. Clinical studies have shown that patients treated with the BEAR Implant experience:
- Faster recovery of hamstring strength
- A more natural-feeling knee
- Higher satisfaction regarding readiness to return to sport
- A reduced risk of complications from donor grafts
Since the BEAR Implant avoids harvesting a tendon from elsewhere in the body, it eliminates the pain and weakness often associated with traditional autografts. It also reduces surgical trauma and preserves options for future treatment if another injury occurs. In fact, revisions after a BEAR procedure are often less complex than those following traditional ACL reconstruction surgery.
Is the BEAR Implant Right for You?
For individuals considering their options for ACL tear treatment, the BEAR Implant presents a less invasive and more natural healing process. It aids in regaining an active lifestyle without the complications often associated with traditional surgical procedures.
The BEAR Implant is FDA-approved for use in skeletally mature patients aged 14 and older who have a complete ACL tear, which is confirmed by using an MRI. To be eligible, the patient must have an intact ACL stump attached to the tibia, which helps facilitate the healing process.
If a patient has recently injured their ACL and is weighing their treatment options, the BEAR Implant may offer them a less invasive, more natural way to heal—particularly if they hope to return to sports, exercise, or an active lifestyle without the complications that come along with the traditional ACL surgery.
The BEAR implant is typically covered by most health insurance plans, however it is important to talk to your provider before surgery. They can help you work with your insurance company to determine coverage before surgery.
A Patient-Centered Approach to Recovery
The recovery process following a BEAR Implant procedure is comparable in duration to traditional ACL reconstruction, typically spanning at least 9 months. However, patients frequently report experiencing a more natural-feeling recovery. Physical therapy will begin shortly after surgery, concentrating on restoring mobility, strength, and stability. By preserving the native structure of the ACL, patients are inclined to feel “back to normal” in their movements, which can enhance mental readiness and confidence—crucial elements for a successful return to sports and daily activities.
Leaders in Advanced Technology, Procedures for Patients
At Long Beach Medical Center, the team takes pride in offering advanced care that prioritizes patient well-being. One of the most rewarding aspects of offering the BEAR Implant is witnessing patients regain strength and confidence in their knees without the pain and weakness that often follow graft harvesting. Patients appreciate knowing that they’re healing with their own tissue—and avoiding the need for donor materials or additional incisions.
The BEAR Implant signifies a substantial advancement in orthopedic care. After decades of relying solely on reconstruction as the treatment option for ACL tears, there is now an effective, biologically based solution that facilitates the healing of the ACL and restores natural knee function.
At Long Beach Medical Center, our team of experienced professionals is committed to delivering the highest quality of care, ensuring that each patient receives personalized treatment tailored to their specific needs. Recognized as one of Newsweek’s America’s Best Orthopedic Hospitals, the center leads in orthopedic surgery, providing innovative solutions for expedited recovery and enhanced quality of life.
Contact the Joint Replacement Center at (562) 933-4014.
