Arthrosurface

About Arthrosurface

Established in 2002, Arthrosurface specializes in developing less invasive treatments for joint pain, targeting patients who are considered too young or active for total joint replacement. The company was founded by Steven Ek, who drew inspiration from discussions with surgeons who identified a patient group that was aging out of sports medicine but was not yet suitable for total joint procedures. Ek, with a nearly 30-year career in medtech, previously served as Vice President of Engineering at STD Med, Inc., and Director of R&D at Smith & Nephew Endoscopy, bringing extensive experience in medical device development to his role at Arthrosurface.

Arthrosurface operates within the orthopedic medical device market, providing joint preservation and resurfacing solutions to surgeons and podiatrists. Its business model centers on the sale of its proprietary HemiCAP® system and other orthopedic implants. The company's technology is analogous to a dentist filling a cavity rather than replacing the entire tooth; it resurfaces only the damaged cartilage area, preserving the natural joint. This approach is designed for minimally invasive, often outpatient, procedures that allow for the preservation of bone and soft tissue structures.

The product portfolio includes over 150 implant curvatures for joints such as the knee, shoulder, hip, ankle, wrist, and toe, designed to treat conditions caused by trauma and arthritis. The HemiCAP® system features a two-component design with a taper lock for immediate and reliable fixation, which can be used without bone cement. The company also utilizes 3D mapping technology to match implants to a patient's specific anatomy. By the end of 2019, over 100,000 patients had been treated with Arthrosurface implants by more than 5,000 surgeons in over 25 countries.

Initially incubated and spun off by medical device manufacturer STD Med, Inc., Arthrosurface secured venture funding from Boston Millennia Partners in 2003. A significant milestone occurred in February 2020 when Anika Therapeutics acquired Arthrosurface for approximately $60 million upfront, with an additional $40 million in potential milestone payments. This acquisition was intended to expand Anika's portfolio in joint preservation and restoration. However, in a strategic shift, Anika divested Arthrosurface on October 31, 2024. The company was acquired by Phoenix Brio, a parent company established by executive management from Primo Medical Group and former Arthrosurface leaders, signaling a return to its founding roots.