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A quiet revolution is underway at Marshall Health Network in West Virginia, transforming what athletes believe is possible after an ACL injury. Doctors there are fundamentally changing the future of orthopedic surgery, attracting patients from around the globe and giving athletes a second chance at their active lives.
At the heart of this revolution is the Lavender Fertilized ACL Reconstruction procedure, a surgical innovation in the orthopedic space. Created by Dr. Chad Lavender of Marshall Orthopaedics, this procedure is rewriting the rules for one of sports medicine’s most common and feared injuries: the torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Recovery was a grueling, often year-long process and a full return to pre-injury performance remained an uncertain goal for many athletes.
Dr. Lavender’s procedure addresses these shortcomings by integrating cutting-edge biological science directly into the surgical technique. The heart of the innovation lies in the incorporation of the patient’s own cells back into the body. During the surgery, these vital cells are introduced into the bone tunnels where the new ligament graft is secured. This biological infusion acts as a supercharger for the body’s natural healing process. By essentially “fertilizing” the area, the procedure promotes superior integration of the graft. To improve stability of the knee and help reduce re-tears, Dr. Lavender also adds an Internal Brace
alongside the new ACL graft. The results from multiple studies are a medical breakthrough. Patients experience improved healing in the bone tunnels and an improved earlier functional outcome at 12 weeks. For athletes, every saved week is a victory and a quicker path back to their passion.
“Our research is proving what we’ve seen clinically for years: Biologics matter and combining that augmentation with the Internal Brace has improved clinical outcomes” says Dr. Lavender. The clinical data from their most recent study are nothing short of stunning. Patients who have undergone the Lavender Fertilized ACL procedure, also referred to as the BioACL procedure, boast a re-injury rate of just 3%, as opposed to the historical 6-10% with traditional procedures. More importantly, more than 90% of patients are successfully returning to their previous level of sport, a statistic that speaks to the procedure’s innovative, restorative power. Dr. Lavender continues, “When you combine cutting-edge science with precise surgical technique, you can change the entire trajectory of an athlete’s recovery.”
But this story is about more than just technology; it is about hope and human dedication. The procedure’s reputation has spread far beyond the borders of West Virginia. Patients from 27 states (and counting!) and as far as Europe are making the pilgrimage to the town of Huntington, West Virginia, a testament to the powerful draw of true medical excellence. They come seeking Dr. Lavender, drawn by word of mouth, success stories, and the hope of a robust recovery.
“People don’t typically expect major breakthroughs in sports medicine to come from a small town in West Virginia — but that’s exactly why this work matters. Innovation isn’t limited by geography. It grows wherever there’s passion, curiosity, and a commitment to doing things better.”
Dr. Chad Lavender
Each journey represents a life put on hold – a season lost, a career questioned, a parent wondering if their child will ever play again. They dedicate time, money, and faith to travel hundreds or thousands of miles for an investment in their future mobility.
“It was everything that I could have wanted and more when I had done the research,” says actor, comedian and media personality Zach Justice. Under the care of Dr. Lavender, Zach boasts, “You’re going to be treated as a person and you’re also going to be treated with the best medicine you can in this field.”
Trevor Bollinger, professional motocross racer, was told his racing days were over following tearing his left knee’s ACL for the third time. Dr. Lavender was able to successfully repair his knee and within 12 weeks, he was back on his bike. “My range of motion was back in six weeks,” he noted about his recovery. He continued, “At 10 months, I was feeling 100 percent.” After undergoing another successful procedure on his right leg, Trevor went on to win two medals at the 2021 Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series and continues to be successful in his professional career.
“I have never been afraid of my knee or anything like that — I’ve had all the confidence, and that’s a shout-out to Dr. Lavender and Jason Huffman, my physical therapist at Marshall Health Network. I’ve never had a doubt in my mind and that’s helped me back on the floor,” reflects Audrey Biggs, a basketball star at the University of Pittsburgh, regarding her surgery and recovery process.
These testimonials from patients who have undergone the procedure exemplify the powerful connection between innovation and personal triumph. Dr. Lavender states, “This isn’t just about fixing knees. It’s about giving athletes hope — showing them that an ACL injury doesn’t have to define their future. Watching them return to the field stronger than before is why we push this research forward every day.”
In a world where medical advancement is often associated with major urban centers, this story stands as a beautiful reminder that groundbreaking technology and personalized care can flourish anywhere. Dr. Lavender and Marshall Orthopaedics have created a unique hub where top-of-the-line science meets compassionate patient dedication, changing the way ACL surgeries are performed and giving people around the world a powerful reason to look toward the mountains of West Virginia for a hopeful, athletic future.
To learn more, visit marshallhealth.org or call 304-691-6781 for information.
The post Small town, big innovation: How this West Virginia facility is revolutionizing ACL surgery appeared first on New York Post.
