For many young athletes, a major injury can feel like the end of their sports career. For 17-year-old Hadley Farwell, it marked a new beginning. In 2024, freshly healed from leg surgery, Hadley, then age 16 and a sophomore in high school, experienced a devastating tear to her right leg’s ACL while playing lacrosse.
“I was playing defense and there was no contact. I stepped the wrong way and felt a pop,” Hadley said. “I could tell immediately that something was wrong. There was a lot of pain, and it was hard to process.”
On the sidelines that day was MaineGeneral Athletic Trainer Pat Norwood, who rushed to her side.
“Pat quickly responded, which was comforting,” said Laurie Farwell, Hadley’s mother.
Once off the field, it was clear that Hadley needed further care. The Farwells knew exactly where to turn. Hadley had previously been treated by Dr. Daniel Shubert, an orthopaedic surgeon at MaineGeneral, and they trusted his approach.
“Dr. Shubert explained everything to us in a way that we could understand. He provided all the information with pictures and a description of the procedure and humanized it for us,” says Hadley. “He made me feel very comfortable and I felt very confident going into the surgery.”
Dr. Shubert recommended a procedure known as fertilized ACL reconstruction. It’s a relatively new approach that uses the patient’s own stem cells and growth factors, combined with bone grafting, to create a favorable healing environment.
“The data on the fertilized ACL shows promising early outcomes, including decreased pain, quicker recovery and improved return-to-sport timelines,” Dr. Shubert said.
Hadley underwent surgery in June 2024. Recovery required dedication, especially in physical therapy. Laurie and Hadley credit MaineGeneral Physical Therapist Monique Huber and Psychologist Corey Smith, PsyD, for Hadley’s successful rehab.
“Monique customized every single PT session to what Hadley needed. She was fantastic. Hadley also spoke with Dr. Smith and if she didn’t do that component, I don’t know where she would be now. The collaboration of the whole MaineGeneral Orthopaedics family, sports medicine and psychologists working together helped with her success. If she didn’t have the mental support, the physical wouldn’t work.” Laurie said.
Seven months after surgery, Hadley returned to the court for her first basketball game.
Less than a year later, she competed in a national lacrosse tournament, proudly representing Maine. Her team came in fifth place, and her knee held strong.
“She didn’t even question her knee,” Laurie said. “The procedure that Dr. Shubert did promoted such good healing. I don’t think she would be where she is right now without that whole team.”
Dr. Shubert completed the first all-inside fertilized ACL reconstruction in New England and many more since. To date, he has completed over 75 fertilized ACL reconstructions over the last two years, with zero re-tears.
The availability of this advanced care close to home made a lasting impact on the Farwells.
“For Dr. Shubert and his team to be doing that kind of procedure here in Augusta, right in our community, is huge,” Laurie said. “To have access to that level of expertise right here in central Maine, where you can stay close to home for surgery and physical therapy, that’s incredibly special.”
The experience has also shaped Hadley’s future.
“After my experience with these doctors, physical therapists and sports psychologists, and the impact they have on people, it made me realize that I want to go into sports medicine as a career. I want people to leave whatever appointment we have and feel like they can have surgery and feel good about it, that they are strong enough to do it, which includes the physical and mental side of it,” Hadley concluded.
For more information about the fertilized ACL reconstruction surgery, please visit https://www.mainegeneral.org/medical-services/ortho/sports-medicine-surgery/
