Posterior view of scapula and humerus with the Reach Shoulder Implant

Reach Orthopaedics is developing a shoulder implant to treat middle-aged patients suffering from massive irreparable rotator cuff tears.

Reach’s novel design will help to restore shoulder alignment – increasing mobility and  function, while eliminating chronic pain.

Can Shoulder Surgery Finally Offer the Best of Both Worlds?

Reach Orthopaedics co-founder, Dr. David Johnston, sits down with Taylor MacGillivary of Snack Labs. They discuss the problem with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears and how Reach Orthopaedics aims to become the standard of care.

New Wave is brought to you by Life Sciences Nova Scotia and produced by Snack Labs. This episode is narrated Taylor MacGillivary and written by Haeley DiRisio and Taylor MacGillivary. New Wave is edited by, Jeremie Saunders and Taylor MacGillivary from Snack Labs. Music and sound design is by Donovan Morgan.

© 2020 Reach Orthopaedics Inc.

The above video was developed by Digital Animation students at Nova Scotia Community College as part of their 3D Digital Animation class.

Key Opinion Leader Reviews

  • “The REACH [Shoulder Implant] is a very innovative surgical solution with clear potential to compete with commonly performed procedures for the irreparable cuff tear, specifically, reverse shoulder arthroplasty, implantation of a subacromial balloon and superior capsular reconstruction.”

    - Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic

  • "[The REACH Shoulder Implant] is a promising platform to address the condition of massive irreparable rotator cuff tears in active younger (age <60) individuals. The impetus and basis for the implant, in my opinion, is logical and sound. The preclinical biomechanical studies and implant design enhancements to date are innovative and well-defined with clear objectives for advancement eventually leading to clinical translation."

    - Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Toronto

  • "... compared with SCR, one major attractiveness of the [REACH Shoulder Implant] is that soft-tissue healing is not required... compared with the subacromial balloon, the two main attractive features [of the REACH Shoulder Implant] are (a) lack of resorption and (b) lack of migration."

    - Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic

  • "… this invention is very interesting. I am hopeful that it will provide a less invasive, cost effective early alternative to reverse shoulder arthroplasty…"

    -Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Western University

  • “This device is a logical improvement on SCR and [subacromial balloon]. Both technologies have had mixed reviews... Your new device, however, will be durable in maintaining the biomechanical advantage of re-centering the humeral head.”

    - Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Harvard University