New research, guidelines and FDA decisions, each with a note on what it might change in a conversation with your surgeon, how certain it is, and links to the original sources.
How we choose news. Nothing here is sponsored. Mentioning a product isn't an endorsement, and an FDA clearance means a device was found substantially equivalent to existing ones, not proven better. Updated November 2026.
Registry
Reverse replacements now outnumber anatomic in US registry
The AAOS Shoulder & Elbow Registry 2026 report found 52.7% of 39,251 shoulder replacements were reverse and 35.1% anatomic, with reverse use rising with age. Average ASES scores rose from 40 before surgery to 76.4 at one year.
What this could change in a conversation with your surgeon: If you're offered a reverse, you're in the majority. If you're younger with a healthy cuff, it's still worth asking whether anatomic fits you.
Low-volume shoulder surgeons had more complications
A meta-analysis of 332,542 patients found surgeons doing fewer than five shoulder replacements a year had higher complication and revision odds (3.7% vs 2.6% complications). A second drop in risk appeared above about 25 to 28 cases a year.
What this could change in a conversation with your surgeon: It's reasonable to ask how many your surgeon does.
Zimmer Biomet received 510(k) clearance for an updated ROSA Shoulder system that assists with anatomic and reverse shoulder replacement.
What this could change in a conversation with your surgeon: Robotic shoulder surgery is spreading. Clearance doesn't show patients do better with it, and outcome data are still early, so ask what difference it would make for you.
The Identity system covers anatomic, reverse, revision and fracture procedures with a single set of instruments.
What this could change in a conversation with your surgeon: A system that can switch between anatomic and reverse gives the surgeon options during the operation. Clearance doesn't show it gets better results than older systems, so ask why your surgeon prefers the system they use.
Business, product and professional-society developments. Useful background, but less likely to change your own decision.
Technology
Stryker's Mako Shoulder enters full US release
Stryker began full market release of Mako Shoulder, combining Tornier Perform reverse implants, Blueprint planning and its robotic arm for primary reverse replacement.
What this could change in a conversation with your surgeon: Robotics improves how closely the implant matches the plan in bench studies. Whether that improves results for patients is not yet known.
Advita Ortho launched with Exactech's former assets, including the Equinoxe shoulder, after Exactech's restructuring. The FDA issued Advita a warning letter in December 2025 related to manufacturing specifications for the Equinoxe Reverse.
What this could change in a conversation with your surgeon: If you have or are offered an Equinoxe shoulder, it's reasonable to ask your surgeon about the company's status and any follow-up.
