Study finds new ACL surgery approach helps most patients return to activity
New research from orthopaedic specialists at Marshall Health Network and the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine demonstrates promising outcomes for patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using an advanced technique that combines biologic augmentation with internal stabilization.
The study, published April 2026 in Arthroscopy, Sports Medicine, and Rehabilitation, evaluated patient outcomes following ACL reconstruction using a quadriceps tendon autograft enhanced with bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), demineralized bone matrix and suture tape augmentation. Researchers conducted a retrospective review of patients who completed at least two years of follow-up post surgery. Patients in the study were primarily young and active, with an average age of 19.4 years.
The findings showed that more than 91% of patients returned to their pre-injury activity levels, with strong functional outcomes reported across validated knee assessment measures. At an average follow-up of 3.4 years, the procedure demonstrated a low graft rerupture rate of 3.1%, with all patients cleared to return to full activity within six months following surgery.
“This study, along with the growing body of research behind it, supports how ACL reconstruction continues to evolve through the combination of sound surgical technique and biologic and structural augmentation,” said Chad D. Lavender, M.D., orthopaedic surgeon at Marshall Health Network, who serves as senior author on the study. “By enhancing the body’s natural healing response and protecting the graft during early recovery, we are seeing encouraging outcomes that translate into meaningful, real-world function.” Early this year Lavender presented his work to the International ACL Study Group in Brazil.
The technique uses the patient’s own quadriceps tendon to reconstruct the ligament while incorporating biologic materials to support healing and suture tape augmentation to provide additional internal support during recovery. This study builds upon a growing body of work exploring how biologic augmentation and advanced fixation strategies may enhance healing, improve function and reduce the risk of reinjury following ACL reconstruction.
ACL injuries are among the most common ligament injuries in athletes and active individuals, often requiring surgical reconstruction to restore knee stability and function.
Reference:
Peterson Jake, Soucier Claire, Groves Jonathan, Schaver Andrew L., Hewett Timothy E., Hahn Ethan, Nottingham James, Lycans Dana S., Lavender Chad D.. Arthrosc Sports Med Rehabil. 2026; 000, e70023. https://doi.org/10.1002/ars2.70023
