A new surgical technology is now being tested that
promises to heal the ligament better than ever before compared with traditional
techniques.
The ACL,
or anterior cruciate ligament, is the stabilizing ligament in the
knee joint. If it’s injured, playing sports – and even walking – can be
downright painful if not near impossible. We treat ACL injuries all the time
here at Texas Orthopedics. Sometimes physical therapy helps, but most often
times, surgery is needed to repair it.
A new procedure developed at Boston Children’s
Hospital, known as the Bridge-Enhanced ACL
repair (BEAR), has orthopaedic surgeons excited about its possibilities. The BEAR
technique uses sutures and a special protein-enriched sponge placed between the
torn ends of the ACL to promote healing. The sponge is soaked with the
patient’s own blood allowing a clot to form and encouraging new tissue growth
to mend the tear.
Early results using this
technique have been very promising, although it is still in an experimental phase
and undergoing FDA testing. If this procedure
becomes common, athletes can expect much smoother, and shorter, recovery times.
If you have suffered an ACL injury and are considering
repair surgery, please contact
us for an appointment.
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