Smith+Nephew (LSE:SN, NYSE:SNN), the global medical technology company, today announces that the American Medical Association (AMA) CPT Editorial Panel has established a Category I Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code for procedures involving its CARTIHEAL AGILI-C Cartilage Repair Implant, effective January 1, 2027.
The new CPT code recognizes the clinical significance and growing adoption of the CARTIHEAL Implant, a single-stage, off-the-shelf solution for treating cartilage and osteochondral defects in the knee, including in patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis (OA). The implant received Breakthrough Device Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is the only FDA-approved device for this indication.
Clinical Impact
The CARTIHEAL Implant demonstrated an 87% reduction in the relative risk of total knee arthroplasty or osteotomy at 4 years compared to microfracture or debridement, according to data published from a multicenter randomized controlled trial.1 This positive data and broad knee indication, including OA, provides an additional treatment option for this patient population earlier in their treatment journey.
“This new CPT code is a major milestone for physicians and patients alike,” said Dr. Ken Zaslav of Northwell Health. “It validates the clinical value of the CARTIHEAL Implant and facilitates broader access to a technology that fills a true unmet need in the world of cartilage repair.”
Reimbursement and Access
The Category I CPT code will streamline reimbursement processes for providers and payers, supporting the integration of the CARTIHEAL Implant into standard clinical practice. It also reflects the AMA’s recognition of the procedure’s clinical efficacy, safety, and widespread physician adoption.
“This code represents a critical milestone on our journey to enable access to patients that can benefit from the CARTIHEAL Implant,” said Christie Van Geffen, SVP Global Sports Medicine Marketing for Smith+Nephew.
About the CARTIHEAL AGILI-C Cartilage Repair Implant
The CARTIHEAL Implant is commercially available in the United States, including Puerto Rico. The implant is composed of aragonite, a naturally occurring calcium carbonate, and acts as a biphasic scaffold that allows it to repair cartilage and restore subchondral bone.2-6 To learn more about Smith+Nephew’s CARTIHEAL AGILI-C Cartilage Repair Implant, please visit our booth at ICRS 2025 in Boston, MA October 11-13, or visit www.smith-nephew.com/cartiheal.