While knee and hip surgeries continue to top the charts in terms of the sheer number of arthroplasty procedures performed in the U.S., the shoulder segment is projected to see a compound annual growth rate of 8.7% from 2017 to 2022, with increases in reverse shoulder and anatomic shoulder procedures largely contributing to the upward trend. In particular, we’ve seen explosive growth in the number of reverse shoulder procedures, primarily performed as a method of treating severely damaged rotator cuffs.

By next year, the size of the total U.S. shoulder market is expected to reach over $1.4 billion. And, given that both the rising aging population is looking to stay active well into their retirement years, and the many advancements in shoulder arthroplasty has allowed it to be one of the most reliable treatment options for degenerative joint disease of the shoulder, this trend is likely to continue for some time.

That upward trajectory represents exciting opportunities, particularly as providers look to rebound from slowdowns in elective surgeries over the last 2 years. To meet burgeoning market demands and accelerate growth, med-tech partnerships that enable the use of 3D imagining software have become critically important. Indeed, this technology is increasingly considered an essential tool for today’s arthroplasty surgeon.

The value of 3D imaging is hard to deny. Not only does a 3D image help enhance preoperative shoulder arthroplasty planning, minimizing real-time surprises and changes, but it also aids in interoperative navigation and decision-making that ultimately results in more accurate placement of implants. In other words, this software is designed with both the patient and the physician experience in mind, and surgeons are quickly finding that 3D imaging is making their lives easier and their procedures more efficient than traditional two-dimensional CT scans alone.

“3D planning has completely changed my approach to planning for my shoulder arthroplasty cases,” said Matthew A. Kippe, MD, sports medicine and shoulder surgeon, Hawthorn Medical Associates in  North Dartmouth, MA.  “I can now better understand the deformity associated with certain arthritic conditions and more accurately place components in order to ensure better functional outcomes and perhaps improve longevity.”

And the benefits of this technology will continue to build. In addition to the speed and accuracy it offers today, the software is also laying the groundwork for even more efficient surgeries down the road. As more patient data gets uploaded and captured by the system, the database grows, and our AI gains more intelligence.

What’s more, it’s becoming a matter of talent acquisition and retention. Today’s up-and-coming clinicians who are just starting their medical careers are now being trained with this technology, and they expect to be able to use it in the field.

At Catalyst OrthoScience, we know this software is simply a must-have in med-tech. That’s why, earlier this year, we introduced a preview of Archer™ 3D Targeting – imaging software designed to support preoperative planning for shoulder arthroplasty. Licensed in partnership with 3D-Shoulder, a subsidiary of 3D-Side, Archer 3D Targeting utilizes decades of shoulder experience to help surgeons gain a better understanding of the patient’s pathology and create a surgical plan in advance of the procedure.

The system uses a two-dimensional image, such as a CT scan, which nearly all surgeons order in the course of diagnosis and pre-op prep. Once the surgeon uploads the imaging, a plan with data-driven recommendations on how best to place the implants is produced, and the surgeon can review and adjust the plan as needed before finalizing. Particularly as today’s surgeons address more complex shoulder pathologies, this latest innovation offers a heightened degree of clarity and precision, making it an invaluable addition to the surgeon’s comprehensive set of tools and solutions.

“I think it is essential for adding Archer 3D Targeting software to Catalyst’s Archer portfolio, as it is quickly becoming the standard of care for planning shoulder arthroplasty surgeries” said Dr. Kippe.  “Most surgeons are currently using some type of planning software and I see it as essential for the growth of the prosthesis.”

Catalyst also recognizes the power of this software to launch a new generation of arthroplasty innovation well into the future. We’re leaning into this technology, knowing full well it will come back around to help inform new implant device design and better preoperative guides. The more this 3D imaging software is used, the more data there is to fuel AI-driven procedure improvements – ultimately helping to pave the way for a new era of precision medicine that’s just beginning to dawn.