Orthopedic Associates Providing BEAR Implant to Heal ACL Tears
The BEAR procedure, or Bridge Enhanced ACL Restoration, for ACL injuries is now available from the local experts at Orthopedic Associates. Board-certified orthopedic surgeon and Orthopedic Associates Practice President Dr. Ryan Pitts was the first surgeon in the region to perform the BEAR Implant procedure in July 2022. Dr. Pitts is available for patients in need of specialized sports medicine care at the practice’s main office at 1050 Old Des Peres Road,
Suite 100, as well as in Columbia, Illinois, at Eleven South Professional Building, 1000 Eleven South, Suite 3C. Patients and caregivers are encouraged to call 314-569-0616 to schedule an appointment.
The BEAR Implant is a state-of-the-art device designed to help the patient’s anterior cruciate ligament heal itself. Acting as a bridge, it effectively binds the damaged ACL tissues together. Because the implant preserves the patient’s natural ACL tissue, surgeons do not need to remove additional tissue from another part of the body or operate in any secondary areas. This reduces overall recovery time compared to traditional reconstruction.
Alongside board-certified family nurse practitioner Katie E. House, F.N.P.-C., Dr. Pitts offers this new, evidence-based, minimally invasive surgical option to patients 14 years and over with significant ACL tears.
The BEAR Implant procedure offers the following benefits:
- Helps the ACL heal itself.
- Restores the torn ACL quality and size similar to the non-injured ACL.
- Single surgical site.
- No worry about cadaver donor graft quality.
- Potential for less postoperative pain.
“At Orthopedic Associates, we are dedicated to keeping athletes healthy and playing at their best,” said Dr. Pitts. “As a sports medicine surgeon, I know ACL tears can be devastating, but we are excited to offer this new technology to help so many more patients heal and excel.”
Dr. Pitts is board-certified in orthopedic surgery and is one of the few surgeons in St. Louis subspecialty board-certified in sports medicine through the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. He graduated from medical school at St. Louis University School of Medicine and completed his residency at the prestigious Mayo Clinic. He completed his fellowship training in sports medicine at Washington University School of Medicine.
House received her diploma of nursing from Lutheran School of Nursing in St. Louis. She attended Chamberlain University in Downers Grove, Illinois, earning her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing in 2012. She gained valuable experience working in the ICU and then providing care to surgical patients in the surgery center setting. House then decided to further her education by completing the nurse practitioner program at Chamberlain University.
For information about Orthopedic Associates or to schedule an appointment, please call 314-569-0616.
