Do you know?

Do you know? Enovis has introduced world-first innovations that are fundamentally shaping the future of shoulder arthroplasty. Our commitment to moving orthopaedics forward is rooted in a legacy of “pioneering and proven” designs - where decades of research, clinical evidence and engineering excellence translate into meaningful solutions for surgeons and patients.

Through our new “Do You Know?” series, we are revisiting some of the key innovations that have defined this journey, showing how past breakthroughs continue to drive the next generation of shoulder technologies.

From the very beginning, innovation has been guided by a deep understanding of biomechanics and materials science. Already in the 1970s, Robert Mathys Sr. introduced the concept of isoelastic monoblock implants, laying the foundation for RM Technology. This philosophy, combined with advanced materials such as vitamin E–blended highly cross-linked polyethylene (vitamys), has demonstrated excellent long-term clinical outcomes and remains a cornerstone of Enovis solutions today. More recently, its application in shoulder arthroplasty - such as the cementless Affinis vitamys Glenoid - has enabled stable fixation while preserving bone and reducing surgical impact. The development of vitamys also represents a breakthrough in biomaterials, combining elasticity, mechanical strength, wear resistance, and oxidation stability. This unique combination supports long-term implant performance while contributing to bone preservation: an essential factor in modern shoulder arthroplasty. 

Innovation has also reshaped implant design principles. The late 1990s marked a turning point in reverse shoulder arthroplasty, with a new design challenging traditional Grammont concepts by introducing lateralization strategies to improve range of motion, stability and functional outcomes. This legacy continues with the AltiVate® Reverse Shoulder System, which integrates refined biomechanics, advanced fixation technologies and precision instrumentation to support reproducible and adaptable surgical techniques.

Material science represents another critical pillar. The introduction of advanced ceramics and optimized tribological pairings has significantly reduced wear, supporting long-term implant performance across a wide range of patients. These solutions not only enhance durability but also provide valuable alternatives in cases of metal hypersensitivity, ensuring broader clinical applicability.

At the same time, platform innovation has redefined surgical versatility. The SMR System, launched in 2002 as the world’s first convertible shoulder platform, set a new benchmark by allowing conversion to reverse configurations while preserving well-fixed components. This philosophy of adaptability continues in solutions such as the SMR TT Hybrid Glenoid, enabling glenoid conversion from anatomic to reverse while maintaining the proven and stable fixation of Trabecular Titanium and supporting soft tissue balance.

A further milestone has been the introduction of inverted bearing concepts in reverse shoulder arthroplasty. By rethinking material pairing and implant geometry, these innovations have contributed to improved range of motion, reduced impingement and lower risk of wear-related complications, including osteolysis.

Looking ahead

These milestones reflect more than technological progress - they represent a continuous commitment to improving clinical outcomes through innovation grounded in evidence.

Review the episodes of the“Do You Know?” series, where we explored how Enovis innovations are shaping the future of shoulder arthroplasty.