The BEAR in Recovery: Evaluating Use of ACL Repair in Active Populations
Abstract:
Bridge-Enhanced ACL repair (BEAR) is a modern procedure and viable treatment for ACL tears which is starting to be utilized more in active patient populations. However, there is a gap in knowledge surrounding this primary repair procedure, the recovery and its efficacy. Despite clinical trial evidence showing BEAR is noninferior to ACL autograft reconstruction in IKDC subjective scores and retear rates two years post-op, hesitation of use in adolescent athletes may be related to a 12-month minimum return-to-play guideline. Despite this consideration, younger athletes may benefit from BEAR procedure because of limitations with open physes or revision graft options.
Learning Objectives:
- Compare BEAR procedure to various ACL reconstruction graft options for active patient populations and the differences in rehabilitation milestones.
- Recognize appropriate patient situation for utilization of BEAR technique/implant and prognosis for recovery with return-to-sport timeline.
- Assess factors of failure rates in adolescent athletes who undergo ACL surgery (including reconstruction) and review role the BEAR procedure may play in managing long-term outcomes.
Level:
Advanced
Domain(s):
Domain 1: Risk Reduction Wellness and Health Literacy
Domain 2: Assessment Evaluation and Diagnosis
Domain 4: Therapeutic Intervention
Orthopedic PA Domain - I & II
CEUs:
1.25 Category A
Keywords: bridge-enhanced anterior cruciate ligament repair, adolescent return-to-sport, ACL graft
In order to earn your CEUs, you must watch the session video in its entirety and complete the assessment.
Lindsey Dietrich, MD
Sidelined Orthopedic and Sport
Lindsey Dietrich, M.D., is dedicated to helping active individuals and athletes return to their optimal level of function and performance. She graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in neuroscience from Tulane University. She earned her medical degree from Louisiana State University (LSU) School of Medicine in New Orleans, where her academic achievements were recognized by induction to the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. Dietrich completed her orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), and her orthopedic sports medicine fellowship at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.
Dietrich’s areas of focus include the knee, shoulder, elbow, and ankle; along with pediatric sports injuries, and care of the female athlete. Her research interests include arthroscopic surgical techniques, ligamentous knee injuries, and management of roller derby athletes. She is proficient in arthroscopic, as well as open, repairs and reconstructions.
Dietrich served as team physician for several Division I universities and high schools, and has cared for numerous community athletic leagues. She is a natural leader, having been elected as Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital, Chief Resident at UAB, as well as Director of Tulane Emergency Medical Services; and serving as vice president at LSU School of Medicine. She has presented and published nationally on topics ranging from arthroscopic shoulder decompression and ACL reconstruction, to injury prevention and the care of people with sports-related injuries. She also enjoys teaching, and is a preceptor site for local high school, collegiate and graduate medical programs.
Dietrich uses new and innovative minimally-invasive techniques, as well as traditional surgical treatments and non-surgical strategies, to help her patients return to activities they enjoy. She believes in a team approach to post-injury rehabilitation, with an emphasis on individualized patient goals.
Vanessa Scott, PA-C
Sidelined Orthopedic and Sport
Vanessa Jackson Scott, PA-C is a Physician's Assistant at Sideline Orthopedics and Sports in Arlington, TX.