InternalBrace™ Ligament Augmentation Repair for Tendon Injury

InternalBrace™ ligament repair from expert podiatrists in Woodbury Heights, Haddon heights, Voorhees, & Pine Hill, NJ

Prime Foot and Ankle Specialist can repair ligament damage using the most advanced technology.

InternalBrace™ surgery (also known as suture tape augmentation) is an advanced method of ligament or tendon repair and reconstruction, capable of fixing even late presenting cases. Unlike other procedures, this surgery protects the ligaments and tendons, speeding up the recovery time by up to 50%. 

In traditional ligament repair, large tunnels must be drilled into the bone for support. Not so with this innovative surgical method of ligament repair and reconstruction — using a brace of biocompatible polymer attached to the damaged ligament or tendon, this repair takes advantage of the body's natural ability to heal itself. 

Without the additional trauma from traditional surgery, patients treated with Arthrex InternalBrace™ can start moving immediately after surgery. In fact, the rehabilitation process is faster and more effective than other modalities. 

What is a tendon or ligament injury?

Tendons are strong fibrous cords connecting the muscle to the bone. Ligaments are thick bands of fibrous tissue that connect bone to bone (or cartilage). Because of their supportive function, they're extremely strong, but if excessive force is applied, they can become stretched or even torn. 

A tendon injury or ligament tear requires significant force, such as a fall or collision. A characteristic pop sound is typically heard at the time of the injury. Ligaments commonly tear in the ankle, knee, wrist, thumb, neck, or back, while the Achilles, rotator cuff, and biceps tendon are likely sites of tendon damage. 

In addition to tears, a sprain or strain can occur if the force is not excessive. Sprains are a stretch or tear of a ligament. Strains, however, involve the muscle and tendon becoming overstretched or partially torn.  

When is Arthrex InternalBrace™ indicated?

This surgery is suitable for any form of ligament or tendon damage. While it was initially created for sports injuries, patients of all ages can experience its radical benefits. 

Developed in Scotland, this advanced surgical technique was supposed to speed recovery for high-level sports injuries in Olympians, basketball players, and footballers. 

The procedure is now recognized and conducted worldwide to improve the outcome for all patients. Indeed, a wealth of evidence supports this surgery as a faster and more effective technique for all tendon and ligament injuries. 

No matter whether you're an elite athlete or tore a tendon in a fall, this surgery will get you back to normal more quickly.

InternalBrace™ Benefits

Compared to traditional surgical techniques for tendon repair, it produces substantially fewer side effects and reduces recovery times. 

Here are its main advantages relative to other methods:

  • Faster recovery time. According to the research, the recovery time is generally cut in half. Meanwhile, ACL repair patients regain 90% function 12 weeks after surgery. There's very little loss of function, so the patient can return to normal life faster. 

  • More strength and balance. Analyses of knee surgeries found greater long-term improvement in InternalBrace™ patients compared to conventional surgery. 

  • Reduce adverse events. Because the surgery is simpler to perform, patients are immobilized for a shorter period of time. That means less risk of muscle wasting, blood clots, infection, and joint damage than comparable procedures. 

  • Lower arthritis risk. Intervening in any joint increases the risk of arthritis. Because it is minimally invasive, preserving natural tissue, the risk of osteoarthritis is reduced — as indicated by the clinical follow-up data. 

What to expect from Arthrex InternalBrace™?

It is performed via a keyhole procedure referred to as arthroscopy. Being minimally invasive, only one or two incisions are made, through which a camera and surgical instruments are inserted. (In more complex cases, the surgeon may be forced to "open" the joint to complete the reconstructive surgery.)

Once inside, the damaged tissue is supported with the suture tape to improve healing and help it recover its original position. Because no tissue was removed, patients do not need to wear a cast, an external support, or a brace after surgery.

 FAQs

  • No. Usually, most InternalBrace™ surgeries are performed under local anesthetic due to the procedure's minimally invasive nature.

    Without a general anesthetic, the risks of the surgery are reduced.

  • Some insurance companies cover it. You'll need to speak to your provider to find out if this is possible for you.

  • All surgery carries risk. While this advanced surgical technique is less risky than comparable procedures, there remains a risk of bleeding, bruising, and potentially infection.

    In addition, nerve damage can also occur, which can cause numbness in the future.