Erie Co. man becomes first local resident to receive cutting edge ACL procedure

(WJET) — Bridge-Enhanced ACL Repair, called the BEAR procedure for short, is now being done at Millcreek Community Hospital. JET 24/FOX 66 reporter Nicole Lee had the chance to interview the very first local resident to receive it.

“I fell off a combine after a repair, and I knew instantly I had a major injury,” said Arthur Miller, a Corry farmer.

Arthur Miller tore both his ACL and meniscus in February. It’s a common injury, but Miller would be the first in Erie County to get an uncommon procedure.

“For the first time we’re able to repair a patient’s ACL tear without the need for reconstruction,” said Dr. Joshua Tuck, D.O., an orthopedic surgeon at Millcreek Community Hospital.

Dr. Tuck is one of the only surgeons in this part of the country performing Bridge-Enhanced ACL Repair

He said this procedure is cutting edge but it’s not experimental. It’s FDA-approved and more than 4,000 of these procedures have been done nationwide.

Dr. Tuck said the fluid in the knee joint makes healing from traditional knee surgeries unpredictable.

The so-called BEAR procedure is unique because it utilizes a collagen implant. Dr. Tuck said the implant supports the ACL’s healing without the need for tissue from another part of the body or a cadaver.

“The BEAR implant which we soak with your own blood and implant into that defect allows the cells a scaffold to grow to. And that’s what allows the ACL to heal in its native capacity,” said Dr. Tuck.

Miller’s been back to work since May. As for his knee?

“Haven’t had any complaints. Haven’t had any major pain,” said Miller.

“That ACL does heal and actually has the same consistency, cellular characters, volume, caliber as a native ACL,” said Dr. Tuck.

“What was most important to you as far as regaining your mobility?” asked Lee. “Being able to get back to work and get back to the family farm,” replied Miller.

Tuck said not everyone is a good candidate for the BEAR procedure but he is able to pivot to a full reconstruction during the surgery, if necessary.

Also, recovery is about three months longer and not all insurances cover it at this time.

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