Arthrex innovation helping elite NFL quarterbacks has recently been highlighted in the national media.
ESPN and the NFL Network reported that New York Jets Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was treated with Arthrex innovation after suffering a season-ending Achilles injury on the fourth snap during the Jets' 22-16 overtime win against the Buffalo Bills on Monday, September 11.
Rodgers was treated by Arthrex faculty surgeon Neal ElAttrache, MD (Los Angeles, California), with the Arthrex Minimally Invasive Achilles Midsubstance SpeedBridge™ repair, ESPN Senior Writer and Injury Analyst Stephania Bell reported. Watch video.
Achilles Midsubstance SpeedBridge repair involves repairing the torn Achilles tendon using high-strength SutureTape, as Ian Rapoport explained on the NFL Network program “The Insiders.” The repaired tendon is then reinforced and protected by securing the SutureTape with two SwiveLock® anchors in the heel bone. The repair is performed through very small incisions and is knotless, creating a stronger construct and removing knots that could cause irritation. Allowing for early mobilization and minimizing the risk of knot slippage can help accelerate recovery and restoration of normal function.
Dr. ElAttrache also chose to put JumpStart® antimicrobial wound dressing over the repair. Embedded within the dressing are microcell batteries made of silver and zinc, which generates an electrical current and kills a broad spectrum of harmful bacteria to help reduce the risk of infection.
In addition, NBC’s Sunday Night Football recently highlighted how Arthrex innovation helped San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Brock Purdy get back on the field. Watch the segment.
NBC Sports Analyst Mike Ryan reported how Purdy’s UCL was repaired with UCL InternalBrace™ augmentation after he sprained it in the NFC Championship Game. The repair requires no tendon graft to completely reconstruct the ligament, which makes it less complex than traditional UCL reconstruction, also known as Tommy John surgery.
Ryan called the repair “a smart move.” Purdy started the NFL season with a win, completing 19 of 29 passes for 220 yards with two touchdowns as the 49ers beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 30 to 7.