BEAR Implant Rehabilitation Tips for Success

The BEAR Implant rehabilitation program is designed to protect your ACL during the healing process while helping you meet important rehabilitation goals. The BEAR Implant has been used in humans for more than eight years. Clinical studies have shown that patients who follow the recommended rehabilitation program are more likely to successfully return to their prior activities. Wearing your brace, following crutch use recommendations and working to meet your knee range of motion, or ROM, milestones are important to a successful recovery.

Please be aware that there are a number of individual patient factors that may warrant changes to any part of the BEAR Implant rehabilitation program. It is always recommended that you contact your surgeon’s office if you have any questions or concerns.

Why is meeting range of motion goals and following the bracing instructions important?

For the first 6-8 weeks after BEAR surgery, the ACL is still healing and getting stronger. The range of motion limitations are there to help protect the healing ACL. Forceful ROM, too many activities or too much motion can disrupt the early healing process.

While you will experience some knee stiffness after surgery, it is important to work hard toward your ROM milestones within the specified timelines by following the bracing instructions. Perform your home exercises regularly and according to the instructions provided by your physical therapist (PT). Regularly performing the exercises will enable your knee ROM to progress.

You can also work on flexion (bending) throughout the day, for example, while you’re sitting with your brace on at your desk working or at the table having a meal. You also don’t have to keep your knee locked straight in the brace all day – just when you’re weightbearing, standing or walking.

What can you do if you don’t meet range of motion goals?

You should discuss any concerns related to ROM with your physical therapist. If you are not progressing appropriately, you and your physical therapist may decide to contact your surgeon.

Meeting ROM milestones is a key measure to ensure you are on track with recovery. But even if you don’t meet a milestone, working with your physical therapist following the rehabilitation program will help you meet future goals. You should not get discouraged about missing one goal.

Why does BEAR Implant rehabilitation seem slower than ACL Reconstruction (ACLR)?

The BEAR Procedure is different than ACLR and so is the rehabilitation program. The BEAR Implant rehabilitation program has been carefully designed to support the early healing process and, when ready, to strengthen the healing ACL in your knee. While the progression is slower in the beginning with BEAR surgery as compared to ACLR, your progression to key milestones later on in the rehabilitation program and timing of return to sport will be the same.

What is not allowed as part of rehabilitation?

Manual passive range of motion is not allowed as part of the rehabilitation program. No one should ever push on your knee or your leg into flexion. Blood flow restriction training is also not permitted.

Who should you contact if you have questions?

It is common to have questions about your recovery and how your recovery is progressing. Each person’s BEAR Implant procedure and recovery are unique, so contact your surgical team with any questions. If they need further guidance, they will reach out to Miach Orthopaedics.

It is important to note that some patients have additional procedures performed on their knee at the same time as the BEAR Implant that may require changes to the rehabilitation program. Seeking advice outside of your surgeon, physical therapist and Miach Orthopaedics is not advised.

To have the best result with the BEAR Implant, follow the rehabilitation program and meet the milestones outlined unless your surgeon has instructed you to make modifications. Similar to any procedure requiring rehabilitation, if you deviate from the program, it could slow you down your progress or put you at risk of complications.

The BEAR Implant from Miach Orthopaedics was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in December 2020. It is indicated for skeletally mature patients at least 14 years of age with a complete rupture of the ACL confirmed by MRI. Patients must have an ACL stump attached to the tibia to facilitate the restoration. The BEAR device must be implanted within 50 days of injury.