About Dr Matta
Leader in the field for evaluating, diagnosing, and treating complex orthopaedic hip disorders
– specializing in preservation, replacement, and fractures.
Joel M. Matta, MD
With over 35 years of experience, Dr. Matta specializes in Hip and Pelvis Reconstruction, Acetabular Fractures, Periacetabular Osteotomy, and Total Hip Replacement.
Recognized national and international lecturer regarding hip and pelvis surgery for over 35 years
Largest single surgeon data base regarding operative treatment and results of pelvic and acetabular fractures
Designer of orthopedic products including, fracture fixation implants, orthopedic surgical instruments, primary and revision hip replacement prostheses, and orthopedic operating tables
Inventions in Technology and support causes.
The Anterior Hip Foundation (AHF) was created to be the world’s foremost incubator for the anterior approach total hip arthroplasty procedure.
Founded by global thought leader and anterior approach pioneer Dr. Joel Matta of Vail, CO, the AHF is a collaborative enterprise created by orthopedic surgeons to continue improving patient care…one anterior approach total hip arthroplasty at a time.
A milestone for our founder – and a new chapter begins
This month, Dr. Joel Matta, marked a milestone: retiring from private practice after 45 years of treating patients with complex hip and pelvic conditions. (Check out the video for the send-off he received from The Steadman Clinic)
While many know him today as the godfather of the anterior hip in the U.S., his career began with a focus on hip and pelvis trauma. Trained in Paris by his mentor, Prof. Émile Letournel, Joel became a leading authority in acetabular fracture treatment, publishing the largest single-surgeon fracture series of any joint, with follow-up now reaching 30 years.
His surgical range has been just as impressive:
– Hip preservation — introducing periacetabular osteotomies (PAOs) to the U.S. in 1987, with the longest follow-up on record.
– Education – taking over Letournel’s renowned acetabulum course in 1993 and alternating it between Paris and the U.S. for a decade. Joel has also trained orthopedic fellows since the 1990s. Many have gone on to lead orthopedic departments and even preside over national orthopedic organizations.
– Anterior approach arthroplasty – undeterred after his initial 500-case series was met with zero interest at a Hip Society meeting in 2002, he doubled down with industry-sponsored courses and later founded the Anterior Hip Foundation, driving adoption from the ground up. Today, the anterior approach accounts for nearly 60% of U.S. hip replacements.
– Innovation – from the Matta Pelvis System (Stryker) to serving as lead designer for North America’s most popular stem, the ACTIS (JnJ), to his “Matta Method” and custom instruments and software that quietly change how surgeons work every day.
Joel has never been about just doing the operation – he’s been about doing it better, and helping others do the same. His impact has been tremendous.
As Ali Noorsad put it so well: “Anyone that trained with you…our goal is to maintain that legacy to the best of our abilities in a way that aligns with how you teach…”
Now, with more time to think, build, and teach, we can’t wait to see what he does next.
