Johnson & Johnson MedTech has announced the U.S. launch of INHANCE INTACT, a new instrumentation system for total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) designed to spare the subscapularis tendon during surgery. The system aims to enable surgeons to replace damaged shoulder joints while keeping the important shoulder muscle intact.
According to Johnson & Johnson, over 100,000 Americans undergo TSA each year to treat conditions such as osteoarthritis and rotator cuff tears. Traditional surgical approaches often require detachment of the subscapularis tendon, which can result in post-operative pain, instability, and tendon failure. Patients typically experience up to six weeks of immobilization after these procedures. The INHANCE INTACT system allows for a tissue-sparing approach that improves joint visualization and enables patients to move their shoulders as early as the first day after surgery. This development is expected to support a trend toward outpatient and minimally invasive care, making it suitable for Ambulatory Surgery Centers by potentially reducing pain and recovery time.
Sharrolyn Josse, Worldwide President of Joint Reconstruction at Johnson & Johnson MedTech, stated: “The introduction of INHANCE INTACT marks an important step forward in advancing shoulder care through thoughtful, clinically driven innovation. By offering solutions to surgeons that allow their patients to have immediate mobility, we’re expanding what’s possible for surgeons and strengthening an approach designed to improve outcomes**, accelerate recovery, and support the shift to outpatient care.”
INHANCE INTACT is part of a broader platform intended for evolving TSA procedures. It works with the existing INHANCE Shoulder System and includes a stemless implant, 43 specialized instruments, and TRUMATCH Personalized Solutions for patient-specific 3D planning. The goal is greater surgical accuracy and bone preservation across different healthcare settings.
Dr. Paul J. Favorito, M.D., board-certified orthopedic surgeon at The Christ Hospital*** said: “The INHANCE INTACT instrumentation allows surgeons to minimize or eliminate post operative subscapularis failure, a potentially devastating complication after anatomic shoulder arthroplasty. The simplified approach and precise instrumentation allow anatomic prosthetic reproduction of the glenohumeral joint along with proper soft tissue balancing. This will be my preferred system for all anatomic arthroplasties.”
The product is now available in the U.S., with its official showcase scheduled at the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Annual Meeting from October 15–18 in San Diego.
Johnson & Johnson describes its orthopaedics division as one focused on enabling movement through expertise in areas including joint reconstruction and robotics technology.
The company also included cautionary statements about forward-looking information related to commercial success or potential risks associated with regulatory actions or market competition.
** When compared to traditional deltopectoral approach.
*** Dr. Paul J. Favorito, M.D., is a paid consultant for Johnson & Johnson MedTech.