Arthrex technology and surgical techniques were featured during NFL Week 3 coverage as sports medicine experts discussed Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr.'s return to the field following ACL reconstruction surgery.
During Amazon Prime's Thursday Night Football broadcast, sideline reporter Kaylee Hartung highlighted the procedure performed by Neal ElAttrache, MD, after Penix suffered a partially torn ACL in his left knee during the 2025 NFL season. The reconstruction utilized a quadriceps tendon autograft along with lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET), an advanced procedure designed to provide additional rotational stability to the knee.
According to Penix, the surgery required a different approach than other recent high-profile ACL reconstructions, like that of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, because it was Penix’s third ACL procedure. Having previously used patellar tendon grafts during two earlier ACL surgeries, Dr. ElAttrache elected to use tissue from his quadriceps tendon to reconstruct the ligament. Penix also underwent an LET procedure on the lateral side of the knee, which he noted made his recovery different from other NFL players who have returned from ACL injuries with a shorter recovery timeline.
In comments published by the Atlanta Falcons, Penix explained that "not all injuries are the same" and highlighted that the combination of a quadriceps tendon graft and LET procedure resulted in a more complex reconstruction than his previous surgeries. He also shared that his physician told him he had "an amazing ACL" as he progressed through rehabilitation.
The national broadcast provided viewers with insight into the evolving surgical techniques helping elite athletes return to competition and underscored the ongoing impact of innovation in sports medicine. Arthrex continues to support surgeons worldwide with advanced solutions designed to help restore function and improve patient outcomes.
Fans and patients interested in learning more about ACL injuries and treatment options can visit ACLTear.com, a comprehensive educational resource featuring information on ACL anatomy, graft selection, reconstruction techniques and rehabilitation. The website also includes a Find a Doctor tool to connect patients with experienced sports medicine surgeons in their area, along with educational content on the techniques highlighted in Penix's recovery journey.
Thanks to the Amazon Prime Thursday Night Football team and sports medicine analyst and physical therapist Mike Ryan for helping educate fans about the technologies and procedures helping athletes get back in the game.