Modified Bridge-Enhanced Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair

Abstract

Historically, the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries shifted from primary repair to reconstruction because the native, intrasynovial location of the ACL precluded the formation of a fibrin-rich clot needed for ligament healing. However, increasing attention has been paid to augmenting the biological environment surrounding the ACL to facilitate its healing after arthroscopic repair. The bridge-enhanced ACL restoration implant uses resorbable collagen mixed with autologous blood to provide a biological scaffold for tissue healing. The short-term results of this procedure are promising, showing noninferiority to traditional ACL reconstruction at 2 years postoperatively and a higher rate of return to sport at 6 months. Our technique for performing the bridge-enhanced ACL repair is efficient, is easy to learn, and achieves excellent fixation of the ACL stump augmented with an internal brace.