Bridge-Enhanced ACL Repair May Have Higher Failure Rates vs. ACL Reconstruction .

Bridge-enhanced ACL repair (BEAR) may be associated with higher failure rates compared with traditional ACL reconstruction, according to recent findings. While BEAR is designed to preserve native ligament tissue and promote biologic healing using a scaffold-based approach, outcomes suggest an increased risk of graft or repair failure relative to reconstruction techniques. Despite its potential advantages—such as avoiding graft harvest and maintaining native anatomy—the durability of the repair may be a concern, particularly in active patient populations. These findings highlight the need for careful patient selection and longer-term outcome data when considering BEAR as an alternative to standard ACL reconstruction, which remains the benchmark for reliable stability and lower failure risk.