BioBrace® Demonstrates Breakthrough Outcomes for ACL Reconstruction

  • Published: 10/7/2025
  • 4 min
Novel research led by Dr. Sean McMillan reports only 1.4% graft retear rate and 4.2% reoperation rate after one year follow-up, dramatically lower than national averages
LARGO, FL – A new retrospective chart review by renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Sean McMillan reveals CONMED Corporation’s (NYSE: CNMD) BioBrace®, a reinforced bioinductive implant, in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is associated with a remarkably low graft retear rate of just 1.4% and an overall reoperation rate of only 4.2%; both significantly lower than national averages1.

The study tracked 71 patients between the ages of 14 and 62 that underwent an ACL reconstruction augmented with BioBrace® with a minimum of a 1 year follow up. Range of motion, VAS pain scores and IKDC were evaluated preoperatively and at 3,6 and 12 months post operatively.

Patients showed significant improvements at their follow-up visits compared to their pre-surgery evaluations. Importantly, no complications are linked to the BioBrace® device throughout the study.

In comparison, graft retear rates in ACL reconstruction surgeries typically range from 6% to 15%1, with reoperation rates reported as high as 27.6%1 depending on the graft type and patient population.

These findings suggest that BioBrace® may play a crucial role in improving surgical outcomes and reshaping the standard of care for ACL reconstruction.

“The results of this study point to faster, safer recoveries and a real opportunity to reduce the risk of failure in ACL reconstruction,” said Dr. McMillan, Chief of Orthopedics at Virtua Health. “As ACL injuries continue to impact thousands of individuals each year, Biobrace® promotes strength1 and healing1, allowing for a smoother, quicker recovery.”

A leading expert in sports medicine and knee reconstruction with over 15 years of experience, Dr. McMillan has performed hundreds of complex ACL surgeries. His clinical study on BioBraceBiobrace® demonstrates CONMED’s continued leadership in orthopedic medicine, showing significantly lower graft retear and reoperation rates in ACL reconstruction, redefining what’s possible in soft tissue healing and surgical recovery.

“This study validates that BioBrace® redefines the standard of care in ACL reconstruction by delivering stronger, more reliable outcomes for patients,” said Nate Miersma, Vice President & General Manager, US Orthopedics at CONMED. “We’re proud to support surgeons like Dr. McMillan who are helping to lead this transformation in orthopedic medicine.”

For more information about BioBrace® reinforced bioinductive implant and how it enhances ACL Reconstruction procedures, visit CONMED's BioBrace® product page.

BioBrace® Reinforced BioInductive Implant
BioBrace on the knee

1 McMillan S, Murray J, Ford E. One-Year Clinical Outcomes Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Augmented with a Reinforced Bioinductive Implant. Surg Technol Int. 2025 Jun 20;45:sti45/1888. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40541261.
1 McMillan S, Murray J, Ford E. One-Year Clinical Outcomes Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Augmented with a Reinforced Bioinductive Implant. Surg Technol Int. 2025 Jun 20;45:sti45/1888. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40541261.
2 Crawford SN, Waterman BR, Lubowitz JH. Long-term failure of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Arthroscopy. 2013 Sep;29(9):1566-71. doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2013.04.014. Epub 2013 Jun 29. PMID: 23820260.
3 Wiggins AJ, Grandhi RK, Schneider DK, Stanfield D, Webster KE, Myer GD. Risk of Secondary Injury in Younger Athletes After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Am J Sports Med. 2016 Jul;44(7):1861-76. doi: 10.1177/0363546515621554. Epub 2016 Jan 15. PMID: 26772611; PMCID: PMC5501245.
4 Gabler CM, Jacobs CA, Howard JS, Mattacola CG, Johnson DL. Comparison of Graft Failure Rate Between Autografts Placed via an Anatomic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Technique: A Systematic Review, Meta-analysis, and Meta-regression. Am J Sports Med. 2016 Apr;44(4):1069-79. doi: 10.1177/0363546515584043. Epub 2015 May 21. PMID: 25999439.
5 van Dijck RA, Saris DB, Willems JW, Fievez AW. Additional surgery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: can we improve technical aspects of the initial procedure? Arthroscopy. 2008 Jan;24(1):88-95. doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2007.08.012. Epub 2007 Nov 5. PMID: 18182208.
6 K203267 – 510(k) Clearance Letter - The BioBrace® Implant

About CONMED

CONMED is a global medical technology company enabling healthcare providers worldwide to deliver exceptional outcomes for patients, through accessible CONMED solutions. For more than 50 years, CONMED has delivered outcome-impacting innovation to healthcare professionals globally. Through organic proprietary technology and acquired brands and solutions, CONMED is committed to helping you advance outcomes.