SUMMARY
Matthew P. Abdel, M.D., is an orthopedic clinician-scientist with advanced training in orthopedic surgery, biomechanics and biochemistry. Dr. Abdel focuses on clinically relevant musculoskeletal disease processes with a direct emphasis on improving patient function and outcomes.
Dr. Abdel is recognized with distinction as the Andrew A. and Mary S. Sugg Professor of Orthopedic Research and is chair of the Surgical and Procedural Committee, where he is leading a focused transformation to elevate surgical and procedural quality, accelerate innovation, and strengthen the integration of best practices.
Dr. Abdel's research program centers on the biological and clinical mechanisms underlying arthrofibrosis, osteolysis and periprosthetic joint infection. His laboratory investigates genetic expression profiles and host response pathways using both translational animal models and human clinical studies. In parallel, Dr. Abdel's work examines the epidemiology, prevention and optimal management of complex periprosthetic infections and fractures.
Clinically, Dr. Abdel specializes in complex revision of total hip and knee arthroplasty, including the management of:
- Arthrofibrosis.
- Infections.
- Oncologic reconstruction.
- Osteolysis.
- Periprosthetic fractures.
Dr. Abdel's integrated clinician-scientist approach ensures that research discoveries are rapidly translated into practice. He drives innovation in surgical care delivery and improves outcomes for patients with complex orthopedic conditions.
Focus areas
-
Arthrofibrosis (joint contractures). Dr. Abdel investigates the genetic and biological mechanisms underlying arthrofibrosis following common orthopedic procedures, including total knee arthroplasty. His work has led to the development and validation of a new translational animal model enabling systematic evaluation of fibrotic pathways and therapeutic targets.
Dr. Abdel's team has defined comprehensive temporal gene expression profiles and identified key genetic variants, including single-nucleotide polymorphisms, associated with disease susceptibility. Ongoing efforts integrate molecular data with clinical outcomes to inform risk stratification and targeted, antifibrotic treatment strategies.
- Osteolysis. Dr. Abdel characterizes the molecular and genetic drivers of osteolysis following total hip and knee arthroplasty. By linking gene expression profiles with implant performance and patient-specific factors, his work aims to enable earlier detection, risk prediction and more-personalized approaches to prevention and management.
- Periprosthetic joint infection. Dr. Abdel studies host, surgical and system-level factors that predispose patients to periprosthetic infection. His work focuses on identifying modifiable risk factors and developing evidence-based strategies to mitigate infection risk, improve early diagnosis and optimize treatment pathways across a variety of patient populations.
- Periprosthetic fractures. Dr. Abdel investigates the epidemiology and outcomes of periprosthetic fractures involving hip and knee arthroplasty. His research evaluates treatment strategies with a focus on fracture healing, implant survivorship and functional recovery. Through this work, Dr. Abdel informs best practices and improves patient outcomes at scale.
Significance to patient care
Dr. Abdel studies ways to better predict and prevent major bone and joint conditions, including arthrofibrosis, osteolysis and joint infection. He uses lab and patient data to find people at the highest risk of having issues and to help guide earlier, more personalized care.
Dr. Abdel's goal is to create safe, targeted treatments that prevent disease, slow it down and improve results for patients who need complex orthopedic procedures.
Professional highlights
- Mayo Clinic:
- Chair, Surgical and Procedural Committee, 2024-present.
- Andrew A. and Mary S. Sugg Professor of Orthopedic Research, 2021-present.
- Research Career Impetus program award, 2026.
- Teacher of the Year, Mayo Fellows' Association, 2026.
- The Hip Society:
- Member, 2020-present.
- Otto E. Aufranc, M.D., Award, 2017.
- The Knee Society:
- Member, 2020-present.
- Mark B. Coventry, M.D., Award, 2018, 2019.
- Principal investigator, Research Grant, Local Delivery of AdipoRon To Treat Arthrofibrosis, National Institutes of Health, 2025-2029.
- American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons:
- Board of directors, 2024-2029.
- President, 2027.
- Vice president, 2026.
- Board of directors, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2020-2023.