Johnson & Johnson MedTech began the U.S. launch of Inhance Intact, a complete instrumentation system developed for subscapularis-sparing total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). According to the company, this can empower surgeons to replace a damaged shoulder joint while keeping the shoulder muscle intact.

While effective, the traditional TSA deltopectoral approach often requires detaching the subscapularis tendon, a crucial muscle at the front of the shoulder that’s been linked to post-op pain, instability, and tendon failure. As a result, patients often face up to six weeks of post-operative immobilization.

The Inhance Intact instrumentation’s tissue-sparing approach, according to J&J, lets surgeons perform shoulder replacements with better joint visualization. The approach enables shoulder movement as early as one day post-op.

The faster rehab supports the movement toward outpatient, minimally invasive care and makes Inhance Intact ideal for Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs).

The instrumentation is part of a platform designed to meet the evolving demands of TSA procedures. Designed for the Inhance shoulder system, Inhance Intact combines a stemless implant, 43 purpose-built instruments, and Trumatch personalized solutions to support anatomic precision, bone preservation, and surgical accuracy via patient-specific 3D planning, according to the company.

Dr. Paul J. Favorito, M.D., a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at The Christ Hospital, said the instrumentation lets surgeons minimize or remove post-op subscapularis failure, which is a potentially devastating complication following anatomic shoulder arthroplasty.

“The simplified approach and precise instrumentation allow anatomic prosthetic reproduction of the glenohumeral joint along with proper soft tissue balancing,” Dr. Favorito told the press. “This will be my preferred system for all anatomic arthroplasties.”

“The introduction of INHANCE INTACT marks an important step forward in advancing shoulder care through thoughtful, clinically driven innovation,” said Sharrolyn Josse, worldwide president, Joint Reconstruction, Johnson & Johnson MedTech. “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.”

The Inhance shoulder system was first introduced in 2021. It received FDA clearance for reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in 2022.