Lucas Wymore: Native Pioneer

NASHVILLE, TN

Lucas Wymore, M.D. is a fellowship-trained and board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, with an emphasis on knee and shoulder arthroscopy.

Dr. Wymore attended the University of Notre Dame where he was a member of the varsity swimming team, earning Monogram Awards. Upon graduation from Texas A&M Medical School, Dr. Wymore completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

Dr. Wymore has written multiple peer-reviewed articles and textbook chapters. He is an active member of the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine, a member of the Arthroscopy Association of North America, a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, and a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honors Society. Dr. Wymore is listed as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor.

Dr. Wymore has also provided care to the US Olympic team at the United States Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Outside hobbies include swimming, weightlifting, surfing, and Notre Dame football.

• How Native Changes Sports Medicine?

  We had guides that were just repurposed from other uses around the knee. We had suture passers and other devices that were not designed for the roots. Over the years, the technology improved, but there were still a lot of holes in the portfolio in terms of simplicity and reproducibility. The drill guides were always a challenge. They blocked the camera view, they were ACL guides, and they made it hard to see the anatomy — and you can't fix what you can't see.

  With the Native Root System, that changes—we have better drill guides designed specifically for the root, so you can see exactly where you’re putting tunnels. With better passers, you can get better purchase in the tissue, more reproducible sutures, and better pullout strength. You’re going to feel more confident that you have a good, solid repair when you walk out of the operating room.

• What Are the Broader Clinical Applications and Future Indications?

  I think there are so many other indications for this. The adjustable loop has easier implantation and better tensioning. I think there are a lot of different places in the body where you can apply that same technology. It’s really exciting to see the next steps — the innovation of taking this one device, one surgery, and seeing where else we can use it all over the body.

• What Is the Impact on the Patient Outcomes?

  The goal of this surgery, repairing the root, is to help prevent or delay knee replacements and arthritic changes. By achieving better outcomes, we can help patients delay or even possibly prevent needing knee replacements later.

  Native approach has also shaved off a lot of time. The last case we did with Native Root System was just over twenty minutes. Compared to where we started, it’s a game changer in terms of better outcomes and more efficiency in the operating room — getting the patient in and out more quickly, with less time under anesthesia and a more confident repair.