Uploaded November 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Dive into a decade of peer-reviewed scientific literature and proven outcomes of the InternalBrace™ technique in this immersive three-part series. Leading sports medicine surgeons Bruce A. Levy, MD (Orlando, FL) and Patrick A. Smith, MD (Naples, FL) discuss Dr. Smith's pioneering research into the InternalBrace technique in the knee.
In the first episode of the series, Dr. Smith and Dr. Levy discuss:
• The impetus behind Dr. Smith's drive to validate the use of the InternalBrace technique to lower ACL retear rates
• Early, unsuccessful ligament augmentation options, how the InternalBrace technique is different, and the safety research supporting its use
• The animal and translational models that supported Dr. Smith's retear reduction rate hypothesis
• And more
The conversation starts with why the InternalBrace was developed. Dr. Smith explains his goal of reducing ACL graft rerupture by adding a thin, durable layer of FiberTape® suture to protect the healing graft. This tape has an extensive track record in orthopedics, including use in rotator cuff repairs and meniscal procedures, which set the stage for exploring it as an ACL augmentation tool.
A major point addressed is the historical concern around synthetic ligaments. Earlier generations of synthetic materials were associated with serious inflammatory reactions and poor patient outcomes. The speakers break down how FiberTape differs from those materials and why it does not behave like a synthetic ligament. In thousands of clinical applications throughout the body, FiberWire® suture and FiberTape have demonstrated minimal to no inflammatory response.
The episode then delves into the first major safety study, conducted in partnership with the University of Missouri's College of Veterinary Medicine. This work used a canine ACL model, which mimics the human ACL in several essential ways. Researchers reconstructed the ACL using a quad tendon allograft with InternalBrace augmentation and compared it to the native limb. They observed a normal range of motion, stability, and function with no evidence of inflammation or cartilage damage through six months, which correlates to roughly two years of human healing time.
Another study compared quad tendon grafts to BTB grafts in the same canine model. Surprisingly, the quad tendon performed better, showing fewer inflammatory changes while demonstrating strong functional performance with the ACL InternalBrace in place.
Dr. Smith also walks through a pivotal study evaluating whether cut or damaged FiberTape would provoke an inflammatory reaction inside the joint. Even when intentionally cut, the material produced no measurable synovial or cartilage reaction, reinforcing its safety profile.
These early studies laid the foundation for the clinical use of the InternalBrace in ACL reconstruction today. They helped confirm that the material is safe, well-tolerated, and capable of supporting graft protection in high-demand environments, particularly in knees with challenging biomechanics, such as those with a steep tibial slope.
The InternalBrace surgical technique is intended only to augment the primary repair/reconstruction by expanding the area of tissue approximation during the healing period. It is not intended as a replacement for the native ligament. The InternalBrace technique is for use during soft tissue-to-bone fixation procedures and is not cleared for bone-to-bone fixation.
👉 Learn more about ACL reconstruction and Arthrex's surgical innovations:
arthrex.com/knee
acltear.com
📢 For more evidence, to hear from leading surgeons, or to explore upcoming episodes, please like the video, leave a comment, and subscribe to the Arthrex - What's New in Orthopedics YouTube channel.
#ACLReconstruction #ACLReconstruction #InternalBrace #Arthrex #SportsMedicine #KneeSurgerySuccess
Arthrex is a global leader in orthopedic surgical innovation, dedicated to advancing minimally invasive techniques and medical education. Our mission is to help surgeons treat their patients better by providing cutting-edge products, expert training, and comprehensive resources for orthopedic procedures, including sports medicine, joint preservation, and trauma care.
Stay Connected: 👍 Subscribe to our channel for the latest in orthopedic surgical techniques and product updates.
📱 Follow Arthrex on:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/arthrex
Facebook: facebook.com/Arthrex
Instagram: instagram.com/arthrex_inc
X: https://x.com/arthrex
Dive into a decade of peer-reviewed scientific literature and proven outcomes of the InternalBrace™ technique in this immersive three-part series. Leading sports medicine surgeons Bruce A. Levy, MD (Orlando, FL) and Patrick A. Smith, MD (Naples, FL) discuss Dr. Smith's pioneering research into the InternalBrace technique in the knee.
In the first episode of the series, Dr. Smith and Dr. Levy discuss:
• The impetus behind Dr. Smith's drive to validate the use of the InternalBrace technique to lower ACL retear rates
• Early, unsuccessful ligament augmentation options, how the InternalBrace technique is different, and the safety research supporting its use
• The animal and translational models that supported Dr. Smith's retear reduction rate hypothesis
• And more
The conversation starts with why the InternalBrace was developed. Dr. Smith explains his goal of reducing ACL graft rerupture by adding a thin, durable layer of FiberTape® suture to protect the healing graft. This tape has an extensive track record in orthopedics, including use in rotator cuff repairs and meniscal procedures, which set the stage for exploring it as an ACL augmentation tool.
A major point addressed is the historical concern around synthetic ligaments. Earlier generations of synthetic materials were associated with serious inflammatory reactions and poor patient outcomes. The speakers break down how FiberTape differs from those materials and why it does not behave like a synthetic ligament. In thousands of clinical applications throughout the body, FiberWire® suture and FiberTape have demonstrated minimal to no inflammatory response.
The episode then delves into the first major safety study, conducted in partnership with the University of Missouri's College of Veterinary Medicine. This work used a canine ACL model, which mimics the human ACL in several essential ways. Researchers reconstructed the ACL using a quad tendon allograft with InternalBrace augmentation and compared it to the native limb. They observed a normal range of motion, stability, and function with no evidence of inflammation or cartilage damage through six months, which correlates to roughly two years of human healing time.
Another study compared quad tendon grafts to BTB grafts in the same canine model. Surprisingly, the quad tendon performed better, showing fewer inflammatory changes while demonstrating strong functional performance with the ACL InternalBrace in place.
Dr. Smith also walks through a pivotal study evaluating whether cut or damaged FiberTape would provoke an inflammatory reaction inside the joint. Even when intentionally cut, the material produced no measurable synovial or cartilage reaction, reinforcing its safety profile.
These early studies laid the foundation for the clinical use of the InternalBrace in ACL reconstruction today. They helped confirm that the material is safe, well-tolerated, and capable of supporting graft protection in high-demand environments, particularly in knees with challenging biomechanics, such as those with a steep tibial slope.
The InternalBrace surgical technique is intended only to augment the primary repair/reconstruction by expanding the area of tissue approximation during the healing period. It is not intended as a replacement for the native ligament. The InternalBrace technique is for use during soft tissue-to-bone fixation procedures and is not cleared for bone-to-bone fixation.
👉 Learn more about ACL reconstruction and Arthrex's surgical innovations:
arthrex.com/knee
acltear.com
📢 For more evidence, to hear from leading surgeons, or to explore upcoming episodes, please like the video, leave a comment, and subscribe to the Arthrex - What's New in Orthopedics YouTube channel.
#ACLReconstruction #ACLReconstruction #InternalBrace #Arthrex #SportsMedicine #KneeSurgerySuccess
Arthrex is a global leader in orthopedic surgical innovation, dedicated to advancing minimally invasive techniques and medical education. Our mission is to help surgeons treat their patients better by providing cutting-edge products, expert training, and comprehensive resources for orthopedic procedures, including sports medicine, joint preservation, and trauma care.
Stay Connected: 👍 Subscribe to our channel for the latest in orthopedic surgical techniques and product updates.
📱 Follow Arthrex on:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/arthrex
Facebook: facebook.com/Arthrex
Instagram: instagram.com/arthrex_inc
X: https://x.com/arthrex
