SUMMARY
As an orthopedic clinician-scientist with broad-based training in orthopedic surgery, biomechanics and biochemistry, Matthew P. Abdel, M.D., is interested in studying clinically relevant pathologies while considering the functional impact on patients. He is recognized with distinction as the Andrew A. and Mary S. Sugg Professor of Orthopedic Research.
Dr. Abdel's laboratory is focused on investigating the genetic expression profiles of people predisposed to joint contractures (arthrofibrosis), osteolysis and deep periprosthetic infections through the use of both animal models and human trials. In addition, he is interested in studying the epidemiology and best treatment modalities for patients with periprosthetic infections and fractures.
As a clinician, Dr. Abdel's expertise is in complex revision total hip and knee procedures for the treatment of arthrofibrosis, osteolysis, oncologic resections, periprosthetic infections and periprosthetic fractures. As such, his research is directly translational to his clinical practice, reinforcing the clinician-scientist role.
Focus areas
- Joint contractures (arthrofibrosis). Dr. Abdel is interested in understanding the individual genetic host variation that leads to arthrofibrosis after common orthopedic procedures, such as total knee replacements. He and his colleagues have created and validated a number of findings, including a novel animal model of arthrofibrosis. They have also determined the most comprehensive temporal genetic expression profile of genes and pathways involved in arthrofibrosis, tested numerous potentially anti-fibrogenic pharmaceutical agents in the rabbit model, and found the single most comprehensive genetic expression profile of genes and pathways involved in humans with elbow arthrofibrosis. Recent discoveries in this area include single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), genes and pathways involved in arthrofibrosis after total knee replacements.
- Osteolysis. Dr. Abdel is also working to characterize the genetic expression profile of individuals susceptible to osteolysis after both total hip replacements and total knee replacements.
- Periprosthetic infections. Dr. Abdel is interested in studying the factors that predispose an individual to a periprosthetic infection and mitigating those risk factors.
- Periprosthetic fractures. Dr. Abdel investigates the epidemiology of periprosthetic fractures involving both hip and knee replacements. In addition, he studies the most optimal treatment modalities in regard to fracture union and survivorship.
Significance to patient care
Dr. Abdel anticipates that through his team's research, diagnostic tools will become available to accurately and efficiently determine which patients are at risk of major orthopedic complications, such as arthrofibrosis, osteolysis and periprosthetic infections. The ultimate goal of his research is to develop safe pharmacologic interventions that can prevent and treat pathologic joint contractures, osteolysis and periprosthetic infections.
Professional highlights
- Board of Directors, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 2020-present
- Member, The Closed Knee Society, 2020-present
- Research grant for "First-in-Class Pharmacotherapies for Arthrofibrosis," Regenerative Medicine Minnesota, 2021-2023
- Andrew A. and Mary S. Sugg Professor of Orthopedic Research, 2021
- Lawrence D. Dorr Award, American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, 2018, 2019
- Mark B. Coventry Award, The Knee Society, 2018, 2019
- Program Chair, American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, 2018
- Otto Aufranc Award, The Hip Society, 2017