Fertilized ACL Reconstruction
A New Approach to ACL Reconstructive Surgery
Proven results, faster recovery
A torn anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, can leave an athlete on the sidelines for months. However, Dr. Chad Lavender of Marshall Orthopaedics has developed a new approach to ACL surgery. Known as the fertilized ACL, people across the country are choosing to travel for the procedure.
How it is different
This technique takes traditional ACL reconstruction one step further by using a mixture of bone marrow concentrate, autograft bone and demineralized bone matrix to fill the tunnels within the knee joint during surgery. This technique also utilizes an innovative concept of internal brace reinforcement to improve stability of the healing ACL.
Benefits
Patients have reported the same results as the standard ACL reconstruction with:
- Shorter recovery times.
- No known additional risks

Patients from across the United States and Europe have received the fertilized ACL procedure.
Clinical trials have found:
- At 12-week functional testing, the fertilized ACL group had a limb symmetry index of 80 percent, while the non-fertilized ACL group had 30 percent. (Limb symmetry compares an affected limb to what it would usually be to its unaffected counterpart.)
- More than 90% of patients returned to their previous level of play.
- CT scans at six months revealed less tunnel widening in the fertilized ACL group. (Tunnel widening can sometimes lead to ACL revision surgery.)
- Only 3% of patients re-ruptured their ACL 3-6 years post-surgery.
- In fertilized ACL patients aged 25 and under, one year post-surgery showed improved results in Marx Activity Rating Scale (MARS) scores, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) function scores and quality of life.
News:
High Return to Activity and Low Re-Rupture Rates Following All-Inside Quadriceps Tendon ACL Reconstruction with Bone Marrow Aspirate, Demineralized Bone Matrix, and Suture Tape Augmentation | Arthroscopy, Sports Medicine, Rehabilitation, Accepted for publication
The Lavender fertilized ACL surgery technique reduces recovery time and pain | Coal Valley News
W.Va. doctor makes sports injury advancements | WV Public Broadcasting
Patient Stories:
Mark Bowe talks about recovering from a torn bicep and rotator cuff | Real WV
Believe in Hypes at Independence | Register Herald
Why People are Traveling for the Fertilized ACL
When patients choose Marshall Orthopaedics to receive the fertilized ACL, they are in the hands of surgeons - one of which is the creator - with proven results and years of experience performing the procedure. In addition to the added benefits of the procedure, patients can expect to receive personalized, world-class care in a small town setting. Virtual options are available for initial consults. For those traveling, please contact us for accommodation recommendations including long-term stays.
Patient Testimonials
Crystal Nye is a football player, mom of three, who tore her ACL during drills. She shares how Dr. Lavender's fertilized ACL reconstruction technique helped her get back on her feet faster.
Aaron Geething tore both of his ACLs playing soccer. He compares his recovery experience after traditional surgery and surgery using Dr. Lavender's fertilized ACL technique.
Chad D. Lavender, MD
Clinical Interests:
- Fertilized ACL
- Knee & Hip Care
- Orthopaedics
- Shoulder Arthroscopy
- Sports Medicine
- Sports Medicine Institute
- Surgery - Minimally Invasive
- Surgical Services
- Telemedicine
Locations:
- Marshall Orthopaedics - Teays Valley 304.691.6710
John J. Jasko, MD
Clinical Interests:
- Fertilized ACL
- Knee & Hip Care
- Orthopaedics
- Shoulder Arthroscopy
- Shoulder Replacement
- Sports Medicine
- Sports Medicine Institute
- Surgery - Minimally Invasive
- Surgical Services
- Telemedicine
Locations:
- Marshall Orthopaedics - Teays Valley 304.691.6710
- Marshall Sports Medicine Institute 304.691.1880
Dana S. Lycans, MD
Clinical Interests:
- Bridge-Enhanced ACL Repair
- Fertilized ACL
- Hip Arthroscopy
- Knee & Hip Care
- Orthopaedics
- Shoulder Arthroscopy
- Shoulder Replacement
- Sports Medicine
- Sports Medicine Institute
- Surgery - Minimally Invasive
- Surgical Services
- Telemedicine
Locations:
- Marshall Orthopaedics - HIMG 304.528.4600 ext. 4466
- Marshall Sports Medicine Institute 304.691.1880
Marshall Health - Teays Valley Main Building
300 Corporate Center Drive
Scott Depot, WV 25560
Phone: 304.691.6800
Marshall Orthopaedics - Teays Valley
An outpatient department of Cabell Huntington Hospital
Marshall Health - Teays Valley Main Building
300 Corporate Center Drive
1st Floor
Scott Depot, WV 25560
Phone: 304.691.6710
Marshall Sports Medicine Institute
2211 Third Avenue
Huntington, WV 25703
Phone: 304.691.1880
CONTACT US
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact:
fertilizedACL@marshallhealth.org
Marshall Orthopaedics
Teays Valley
304-691-6781 or 304-691-6783