Published on Oct. 3, 2025
ACL injuries are among the most common knee injuries in the United States. According to the National Library of Medicine, approximately 400,000 ACL injuries occur each year.
For decades, the standard treatment for a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) has been ACL reconstruction surgery. While this approach has helped many patients return to active lifestyles, it can also come with long-term challenges, particularly for athletes and highly active individuals.
At Long Beach Medical Center, patients now have access to the Bridge-Enhanced ACL Restoration (BEAR) Implant, an innovative treatment that helps the body heal its own ACL rather than replacing it. As the first FDA-approved technology of its kind, the BEAR Implant is changing the way ACL injuries are treated and recovered from.
Understanding ACL Injuries
The ACL is one of the major ligaments that helps stabilize the knee joint. With a torn ACL, patients may experience:
- Knee instability
- Pain and swelling
- Difficulty participating in sports or exercise
- Reduced mobility and confidence in movement
Because the ACL has a limited ability to heal on its own, surgery is often recommended for patients who want to return to an active lifestyle.
Traditional ACL Reconstruction Surgery
For more than 30 years, ACL reconstruction has been the standard surgical treatment for ACL tears.
How ACL Reconstruction Works
During reconstruction surgery, the torn ACL is replaced with a tendon graft taken from:
- The patient's hamstring tendon
- The patient's quadriceps tendon
- The patient's patellar tendon
- A donor tendon (allograft)
The graft serves as a substitute ligament and helps restore knee stability.
Potential Drawbacks of ACL Reconstruction
While ACL reconstruction is generally successful, some patients experience long-term side effects.
Common concerns include:
- Persistent weakness at the donor site
- Pain when kneeling, especially with patellar tendon grafts
- Pain or weakness during jumping activities
- Additional surgical trauma from graft harvesting
For athletes, these issues can impact performance and recovery.
Returning to Sports Can Be Challenging
Research has shown that more than half of athletes who undergo ACL reconstruction do not return to their previous level of sport.
These challenges have fueled ongoing research into treatment options that preserve the body's natural anatomy and improve long-term outcomes.
What Is the BEAR Implant?
The Bridge-Enhanced ACL Restoration (BEAR) Implant is a breakthrough treatment that enables the body to heal its own torn ACL tissue.
Unlike traditional reconstruction, the BEAR Implant does not require a tendon graft or a second surgical site.
Instead, it creates a healing environment that allows the torn ligament to reconnect naturally.
How the BEAR Implant Works
A Minimally Invasive Procedure
During the BEAR procedure:
- The 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 environment that supports healing.
- The ACL begins to regenerate and reconnect naturally to the femur and tibia.
- Over time, the implant is absorbed by the body.
The result is a healed ligament using the patient's own tissue.
Preserving the Natural ACL
One of the most significant advantages of the BEAR Implant is that it preserves:
- Native ACL tissue
- Original attachment points
- Natural knee anatomy
These are benefits that traditional ACL reconstruction cannot provide.
Benefits of the BEAR Implant Compared to ACL Reconstruction
Clinical studies have demonstrated several advantages for patients treated with the BEAR Implant.
Faster Recovery of Strength
Patients often experience:
- Faster hamstring strength recovery
- Less muscle weakness
- Improved functional performance
Because no tendon is harvested, the muscles remain intact and can recover more naturally.
A More Natural-Feeling Knee
Many patients report that their knee feels more natural after healing with the BEAR Implant.
The preservation of the native ACL may help support:
- Normal movement patterns
- Better knee awareness
- Greater confidence during activity
Higher Patient Satisfaction
Patients treated with the BEAR Implant have reported higher satisfaction related to:
- Return-to-sport readiness
- Recovery experience
- Overall knee function
Reduced Donor Site Complications
Because the procedure avoids graft harvesting, patients eliminate the risks associated with donor sites, including:
- Pain
- Weakness
- Additional surgical incisions
More Flexibility for Future Treatment
If another ACL injury occurs in the future, revision procedures following a BEAR Implant may be less complex than revisions following traditional ACL reconstruction.
Who Is a Candidate for the BEAR Implant?
The BEAR Implant is FDA-approved for:
- Patients aged 14 and older
- Skeletally mature individuals
- Complete ACL tears confirmed by MRI
- Patients with an intact ACL stump attached to the tibia
Eligibility depends on the specific injury pattern and overall condition of the ACL.
A consultation with an orthopedic specialist can help determine whether the BEAR Implant is the right treatment option.
What Is Recovery Like After a BEAR Procedure?
Recovery following a BEAR procedure typically takes at least nine months, which is similar to the recovery timeline for traditional ACL reconstruction.
Physical Therapy Plays a Key Role
Rehabilitation focuses on:
- Restoring mobility
- Building strength
- Improving stability
- Preparing for return to sports and daily activities
A More Natural Recovery Experience
Many patients report feeling more "normal" during recovery because their own ACL tissue has been preserved.
This can improve:
- Confidence in movement
- Mental readiness
- Return-to-sport preparation
These factors are often just as important as physical healing.
Insurance Coverage for the BEAR Implant
The BEAR Implant is typically covered by most health insurance plans.
Patients should speak with their healthcare provider and insurance company before surgery to confirm coverage and understand any potential out-of-pocket expenses.
Advanced ACL Care at Long Beach Medical Center
At Long Beach Medical Center, orthopedic specialists are committed to offering innovative treatments that prioritize patient outcomes and long-term knee health.
The BEAR Implant represents a significant advancement in orthopedic surgery by providing a biologically based solution that helps the ACL heal naturally while preserving normal knee anatomy.
Recognized as one of Newsweek's America's Best Orthopedic Hospitals, Long Beach Medical Center continues to lead the way in advanced orthopedic care, helping patients recover faster and return to the activities they love.
Learn More About ACL Treatment Options
If you've recently experienced an ACL injury and are exploring treatment options, the BEAR Implant may offer a less invasive, more natural alternative to traditional ACL reconstruction.
To learn more, contact the Joint Replacement Center at 562-745-9943.
By combining innovative technology with personalized care, the team is helping patients regain strength, confidence, and mobility while preserving the body's natural ability to heal.