Annual Report 2023-2024

Historically, orthopedic surgeons have had limited options in treating a torn ACL, and major reconstruction surgery has long been the approach to repairing the ligament. But Shriners Children’s is at the forefront of a new technology offering a less invasive ACL repair approach. The BEAR ® Implant, or bridge-enhanced ACL repair, is the first FDA-approved medical advancement that enables the body to heal its own torn ACL. This new approach is the first innovation in ACL treatment in more than 30 years. Shriners Children’s Hawaii orthopedic surgeon Craig M. Ono, M.D., describes the BEAR Implant as a small cylinder made of tissue inserted between the torn ends of the ACL. It is injected with a small amount of the patient’s blood, enveloping the repair site and promoting healing. Since the BEAR Implant does not require a second surgical site, the treatment minimizes complications, decreases pain and can make for a less difficult rehabilitation after surgery.

Four Shriners Children’s locations currently offer BEAR Implant treatment for qualified patients: Hawaii, Southern California, Philadelphia and Greenville. Shriners Children’s Hawaii was the first hospital in Hawaii to offer the BEAR Implant, and Karli was the first patient in the state to undergo the surgery.

DEXA Scan technology improves patient care

For Waseem, access to technology is a game changer. Waseem has osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), commonly called brittle bone disease. OI affects an estimated 25,000 – 50,000 people in the U.S. For children with this condition, it is incredibly important to have access to specialized pediatric orthopedic care to monitor their bones and receive bone-strengthening treatments as they grow.

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