What to Expect Immediately After BEAR Implant Surgery

The BEAR Implant is designed to help your body restore your own ACL. Following the procedure, your body will be working hard to heal your own ACL tissue. During this time, your new ACL is delicate. Following the rehabilitation program that has been carefully designed for the BEAR Implant will help protect your ACL during the healing process while enabling you to meet important rehabilitation goals.

What can you do before surgery to prepare for recovery? 

There are several things you can do before your surgery to prepare for recovery.

• Review after-surgery instructions. At your last appointment prior to surgery, your surgeon will review the after-surgery instructions with you. The instructions include information on pain management, bracing and crutch use, as well as detailed instructions on the exercises that you’ll be doing at home. Be sure to review the instructions prior to surgery so that you can discuss any questions on the day of the surgery.

• Schedule physical therapy appointment. Prior to the date of your surgery, you should select your physical therapist (PT), ensure they receive the BEAR-specific rehabilitation instructions and protocol, and schedule your first post-surgery appointment. You should plan on starting physical therapy within one week after surgery. Your surgeon’s office staff should provide your physical therapist’s office with the BEAR Rehabilitation instructions. Your physical therapist may reach out to the BEAR Implant manufacturer, Miach Orthopaedics, with any questions prior to and during your rehabilitation.

• Practice with crutches. Crutches can be challenging, particularly if you have stairs at home. Staff from your surgeon’s office, as well as the hospital or surgery center, can help you practice with them. Your physical therapist can also help you practice at your first rehabilitation visit.

What can you expect immediately following surgery? 

You will have a brace on your leg as soon as you come out of surgery. The brace will be locked in full extension (straight) for first 24 hours. Instructions for when to lock and unlock the brace, and milestones for full range of motion (ROM) for flexion and extension, are included in the after-surgery instructions. You will wear the brace full time, including at night, for the first 6 weeks after your surgery.

Your doctor will discuss managing pain with you. Swelling and pain can be managed with cold compression and elevation every hour for 15 minutes for the first 24 hours and then 3 times a day after that. The after-surgery instructions have more information about pain management.

You will be able to put 50% of your weight on your leg after surgery as needed for walking and daily activities like getting in and out of a car, showering, etc. You will be using crutches to walk for 4-6 weeks after surgery, so carrying heavy objects and lifting a pet or child should be avoided.

What happens at the first rehabilitation visit? 

Your first rehabilitation visit should take place within one week of your surgery date, and your physical therapist will set up a schedule for how often your visits should be.

At the first visit, the physical therapist will ask questions about how your knee has been feeling and how you’ve been doing since surgery. They will take measurements for range of motion, strength and swelling so they can track your progress.

They will also teach you exercises that you should be doing for the first phase of recovery and give you instructions for doing the exercises at home. They may also work with you on walking with crutches and appropriate weight-bearing if you’ve been having difficulty.

When should you begin exercises at home?

You may be nervous about moving your knee right after surgery. It is important not to wait to start your exercise program, which can lead to stiffness or delay your recovery. You can start the exercises as soon as recommended by your surgeon or within the first week after your procedure. Starting physical therapy within the first week will allow your physical therapist to supervise your exercises and evaluate your performance.

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 first with any questions. If they need further guidance, they can 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/or Miach Orthopaedics is not advised.

To have the best result with the BEAR Implant, carefully follow the rehabilitation program and meet the milestones outlined unless your surgeon has instructed you to make modifications.

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.