Advita Ortho’s Equinoxe Scapula Reconstruction System Makes its Clinical Debut

Surgeons have used Advita Ortho’s Equinoxe Scapula Reconstruction System for the first time to treat acromial and scapular spine fractures and non-unions, including those associated with reverse shoulder arthroplasty. The procedures were performed by design team surgeons Michael McKee, M.D., and Peter Cole, M.D.

“I am proud to be among the earliest to use the Equinoxe Scapula Reconstruction System,” Dr. McKee said. “This is a meaningful advancement for a complication that has historically been difficult to treat. Having implants designed specifically for these fracture patterns, while accounting for the biomechanics of reverse shoulder arthroplasty, gives surgeons new confidence in managing these challenging cases.”

Acromial and scapular spine fractures, while relatively rare, can be devastating postoperative complications following reverse shoulder arthroplasty, with limited established treatment options available. These fractures can also occur in non-arthroplasty settings, particularly in patients with cuff tear arthropathy and other trauma-related injuries.

“I joined this initiative because surgeons treating these complex fractures lacked a dedicated solution,” Dr. Cole stated. “Our surgeon-engineer collaboration applied proven fracture fixation principles to one of shoulder surgery’s most challenging problems. The result is a dedicated system designed to support fixation of acromial and scapular spine fractures, including those associated with reverse shoulder arthroplasty, with the goal of providing surgeons a more reproducible approach to these difficult cases.”

The system features low-profile, anatomically pre-contoured implants that fit the anterior and lateral acromion with minimal disruption to the deltoid. Specialized lateral, medial, and anterior hook plate configurations support the scapula, counteract deltoid tensile forces, and provide multiplanar fixation for complex fracture patterns while minimizing the need for intraoperative bending.

“This milestone reflects years of collaboration focused on solving one of the most challenging complications in shoulder arthroplasty,” Advita Ortho CEO Aurelio Sahagun commented. “The Equinoxe Scapula Reconstruction System represents a purpose-built approach to a complex clinical problem, combining thoughtful implant design with biomechanics-driven innovation to better support surgeons treating these difficult fractures.”

Advita Ortho specializes in high-quality implants and integrated surgical technologies powered by data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. The company is based in Gainesville, Fla.