Breakthrough system offers a new minimally invasive option for patients with hard-to-treat cartilage injuries. The L. S. Peery, M.D. Orthopaedic Innovation Center at the University of Utah announced today that surgeons have successfully completed the first patient procedure using the Reverse ChondroMatch™ system, a new arthroscopic technology designed to repair cartilage lesions that have traditionally been extremely difficult to treat.
The inaugural case took place at the University Orthopaedic Center, where a patient with a challenging cartilage defect on the tibial surface of the knee received treatment using the Reverse ChondroMatch™ approach. Early feedback from the surgical team is promising: the procedure was efficient, accurate, and allowed surgeons to access an area of the joint that has often been considered untreatable using standard techniques.
A New Solution for Complex Cartilage Damage
Developed by the University of Utah’s Orthopaedic Innovation Center, the Reverse ChondroMatch™ system is the first arthroscopic, retrograde osteochondral allograft tool designed for 8–14 mm lesions. The system allows surgeons to repair cartilage and bone from inside the joint using only small incisions, helping reduce tissue disruption and potentially speeding up recovery.
“For a defect on the tibial surface—an area that is notoriously difficult to reach—this system gave us precise control in a minimally invasive way,” said Travis Maak, M.D., Professor of Orthopaedics and team physician for the Utah Jazz and President of the NBA Physician’s Association.
“The ability to perform this retrograde procedure arthroscopically opens the door to treating other challenging lesions in the knee and ankle. It also may lower complication rates and help patients recover faster.”
Designed to Improve Accuracy, Workflow, & Patient Experience
The Reverse ChondroMatch™ system is part of the broader ChondroMatch™ platform, a suite of tools created to enhance accuracy and efficiency during cartilage restoration procedures. The platform includes:
- ChondroMatch™ Standard: Disposable, sterile kit for 10–16 mm lesions
- ChondroMatch™ Plus: Disposable, sterile kit for larger 15–30 mm lesions
- Reverse ChondroMatch™: Hybrid system enabling fully arthroscopic, retrograde repair of 8–14 mm lesions
“The ChondroMatch platform is engineered to streamline procedures and better match a patient’s natural cartilage shape. We designed it to give surgeons confidence, especially when working in areas that once seemed impossible to access safely.”
Advancing Innovation to Improve Patient Outcomes
The ChondroMatch™ platform reflects a growing effort at the University of Utah to translate engineering breakthroughs into practical tools that improve patient care. The Orthopaedic Innovation Center is currently engaging with medical device companies and strategic partners interested in licensing or acquiring rights to the ChondroMatch™ system.
“This milestone underscores the University’s commitment to innovation that makes a real difference for patients,” said Bruce Hunter, Chief Innovation Officer at the University of Utah’s Technology Licensing Office. “We’re excited to support partnerships that help bring this technology to more hospitals and more people who need it.”
About the L.S. Peery, M.D. Orthopaedic Innovation Center (“OIC”)
The OIC is dedicated to advancing musculoskeletal health through novel medical device technologies, translational research, and partnerships with industry leaders. Located within the Department of Orthopaedics, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah, and in collaboration with the Technology Licensing Office, the OIC has a proven track record of innovation and successful technology transfer. For more information regarding the OIC, contact Wade Fallin at wade.fallin@hsc.utah.edu.
About the Technology Licensing Office
The University of Utah Technology Licensing Office (TLO) is dedicated to fostering innovation and creating value through effective technology transfer. As a leader in managing intellectual property, the TLO empowers researchers and inventors by providing the resources and support needed to transform groundbreaking ideas into real-world solutions. By facilitating the journey from discovery to commercialization, the TLO plays a critical role in driving economic growth and societal impact.