Aaron J. Krych

Aaron J. Krych, M.D., is a Professor of Orthopedics and Chair of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He holds a joint appointment in the Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine and is deeply involved in orthopedic research, education, and clinical leadership.

• Primary Appointment: Consultant, Department of Orthopedic Surgery
• Joint Appointment: Consultant, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine
• Administrative Role: Chair, Department of Orthopedic Surgery
• Academic Rank: Professor of Orthopedics
• Institution: Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science

Dr. Krych completed his medical degree at Mayo Medical School, followed by residency in Orthopedic Surgery at Mayo Clinic and a fellowship in Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery at Hospital for Special Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College.

His research focuses on biological joint preservation of the knee and hip, with emphasis on cartilage restoration, meniscus repair and transplantation, ACL injuries, and femoroacetabular impingement. He is pioneering work in stem cell therapies, living donor allograft programs, and single-stage cell-based cartilage repair. His team uses quantitative MRI to study cartilage damage and bone bruises post-ACL injury and is conducting FDA phase I trials in regenerative medicine.

Dr. Krych's recent publications highlight trends in meniscus pathology, cartilage injury management, arthrofibrosis, and tendinopathy, reflecting his expertise in sports medicine and joint preservation. His work spans surgical innovation, biomechanics, and regenerative approaches to prevent osteoarthritis.

• Cum Laude Research Award, International Cartilage Regeneration and Joint Preservation Society, 2018
• Research Award, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, 2017
• Patellofemoral Research Excellence Award, ISAKOS, 2017
• John and Posy Krehbiel Professor of Orthopedics, 2023–present
• AOSSM 2023 Master Award for Innovation
• ISAKOS Research Grant Winner for Translational Research, 2021–2023
• Top Doctors in Minnesota, Minnesota Monthly, multiple years

Dr. Krych mentors numerous trainees, including residents and fellows, and leads major research initiatives such as the ANCHOR study group and the MERCuRE Study Group. He has secured significant grant funding, including from Regenerative Medicine Minnesota and the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine. His leadership extends to national and international societies, where he chairs committees and serves on editorial boards.

He is actively involved in the Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics and the Sports Medicine Research program at Mayo Clinic. His laboratory collaborates with the Human Cellular Therapy Laboratory, advancing clinical trials in stem cell applications for joint preservation. He also directs the Orthopedic Sports Medicine Fellowship and Research Fellowship programs.