Marshall Health Network marks regional first with BEAR ACL repair performed by Dr. Dana Lycans

Dr. Dana Lycans

Dana S. Lycans, M.D., a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist with Marshall Health Network, recently performed the region’s first Bridge-Enhanced® ACL Restoration (BEAR®) procedure at Cabell Huntington Hospital—marking a significant advancement in orthopaedic care and offering patients a new alternative to traditional ACL reconstruction. 

The BEAR procedure, developed by Miach Orthopaedics, is the first FDA-approved medical advancement that enables the body to heal its own torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) without the need for a tendon graft. By using a bio-engineered implant combined with the patient’s own blood, the BEAR procedure facilitates the natural healing of the torn ACL, potentially leading to faster recovery, shorter operating room time, reduced complications and preservation of the knee’s native structure. This innovative approach is particularly beneficial for active individuals and athletes. Early results suggest promising recovery, aligning with studies indicating that BEAR patients may experience faster muscle strength recovery compared to traditional ACL reconstruction. 

Bridge-Enhanced® ACL Restoration (BEAR®) implant

Lycans, who serves as a team physician for Marshall University Athletics and several regional high schools, is an associate professor of orthopaedic surgery at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. His clinical expertise includes sports medicine and minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery of the hip and knee. 

“The BEAR implant represents a paradigm shift in ACL treatment,” Lycans said. “By enabling the body to heal its own ligament, we can offer patients a less invasive option with the potential for better outcomes and a quicker return to their active lifestyles.”

Marshall Health Network is the only site in West Virginia and the surrounding region offering multiple cutting-edge ACL procedures, including both the BEAR implant and the fertilized ACL technique, which uses bone marrow concentrate, demineralized bone matrix and other biologics to enhance graft healing following ACL reconstruction.

“Marshall Health Network continues to be at the forefront of orthopaedic innovation,” said Ali Oliashirazi, M.D., professor and chair of orthopaedic surgery at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. 

Lycans is accepting new patients and referrals at the Marshall Sports Medicine Institute, at 2211 Third Avenue, and HIMG, at 3075 U.S. Route 60, both in Huntington. For appointments or more information about the BEAR procedure, please call 304.691.1880 or visit marshallhealth.org/BEAR.