Comparing a new device for ACL repair with standard surgery
Official title: BEAR-MOON: A Two Arm Noninferiority Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing ACL Repair with BEAR Device vs. Standard of Care Autograft Patellar Tendon ACL Reconstruction
Funded at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-10686051 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new device called the BEAR to see if it works better than the usual surgery for fixing ACL injuries, and it's for people who have had this type of knee injury and want to know which treatment might help them heal and stay active longer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2018 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,115,246 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR074131-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10686051 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have sustained an ACL injury and are considering surgical repair options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic ACL injuries or those who have previously undergone ACL reconstruction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of a new device called the BEAR (Bridge-Enhanced ACL Repair) in repairing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries compared to the traditional method of using a graft from the patient's own body. The study involves a randomized clinical trial where participants will be assigned to receive either the BEAR device or standard ACL reconstruction surgery. The goal is to evaluate the healing outcomes and knee stability after treatment, with a focus on preventing early post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Patients will be monitored for their recovery and overall knee function over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a less invasive and more effective treatment for ACL injuries, reducing the risk of long-term complications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies on the BEAR device have shown promising results, indicating that this approach could be a significant advancement in ACL repair techniques.
Where this research is happening
-
Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spindler, Kurt Paul — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Spindler, Kurt Paul
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Graft Remodeling and Joint Degeneration after ACL Reconstruction in the Growing Knee Joint
This grant focuses on how ACL reconstruction in growing kids and teens affects knee grafts and long-term joint health.
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Using clinic videos to spot risk of a second ACL injury after reconstruction
This project uses easy-to-take clinic videos and wearable sensors to find movement patterns that may predict a second ACL injury in people who've had ACL reconstruction.
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Options for a second (revision) ACL surgery
This work looks at how different surgical approaches and patient factors relate to long-term outcomes for people having a second ACL reconstruction.
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Improving quadriceps muscle function after ACL surgery using brain stimulation
This study is looking at how a gentle brain stimulation technique can help improve the strength and function of your thigh muscles as you recover from ACL surgery, making your rehabilitation process easier and more effective.
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How walking and physical activity affect knee health after ACL surgery
This study is looking at how walking and activity levels affect knee health in young adults who have had ACL surgery, aiming to find ways to prevent long-term pain and joint issues during their first year of recovery.
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Predicting second injuries after ACL surgery using video technology
This study is looking at how to help people who have had ACL surgery avoid getting hurt again by tracking their movements and activities for 18 months, so we can learn more about what might lead to a second injury.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.