Health & Fitness
Gymnast Flipping after ACL Surgery
Hackensack University Medical Center's Orthopedic Surgeon Gets Gymnast Back on the Mat
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Zoe, a dedicated gymnast from Boonton, NJ, suffered a complete ACL tear after a fall from the beam during practice. The traditional ACL replacement surgery seemed daunting for an athlete like her, as it involves taking healthy tissue from another part of the body to create a new ligament.
Zoe and her family opted for a different path at Hackensack University Medical Center with orthopedic surgeon Yair Kissin, M.D. He recommended an innovative new procedure: the BEAR® (Bridge-Enhanced ACL Restoration) Implant.
Instead of replacing the ligament, the BEAR procedure helps the body heal its own ACL. A special, sponge-like implant is placed in the gap between the torn ends of the ligament. The patient's own blood is added to the implant, creating a "bridge" that facilitates the natural healing and regrowth of the ACL. The implant is absorbed by the body in about eight weeks, leaving a restored, natural ligament.
The recovery from BEAR surgery is gradual, beginning with a period of protection using crutches and a brace, followed by gentle exercises and a slow return to sports after about nine months, once strength and stability tests are passed.
With Dr. Kissin's skill and her own dedication to rehabilitation, Zoe made a full recovery. Today, she is back to gymnastics full-time, stronger than before, and competing at a level two steps higher than she was prior to her injury.
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