Catalyst Fracture Shoulder System

Shoulder fractures can be challenging to treat, particularly when they involve the proximal humerus and require reconstruction of the shoulder joint. The Catalyst Fracture Shoulder System was developed to provide surgeons with an innovative approach to shoulder arthroplasty that emphasizes stable fixation, bone preservation, and improved patient outcomes.

If you’re considering shoulder replacement surgery or exploring advanced treatment options for a complex shoulder injury, contact orthopedic surgeon Dr. Benjamin Szerlip in Georgetown or Austin, Texas.

Topic at a Glance

The Catalyst Fracture Shoulder System is designed to treat proximal humerus fractures using advanced implant technology that helps with bone preservation, stable fixation, and improved healing.
Features such as a 135° neck-shaft angle, tuberosity retention rails, and cementless fixation may help create a more natural-feeling shoulder while supporting better outcomes.
Compared to some traditional and more invasive techniques, the system reduces surgical steps and may contribute to fewer complications following shoulder arthroplasty.
The Catalyst platform continues moving shoulder reconstruction forward through innovative design.

What is the Catalyst Fracture System?

The Catalyst Fracture Shoulder System is a specialized shoulder reconstruction implant system developed by Catalyst OrthoScience Inc. It is used to treat proximal humerus fractures (PHFs), where the ball of the ball-and-socket shoulder joint is fractured.

Fractures to the head of the upper arm bone are complex, requiring stable fixation, anatomic precision, and efficient execution in challenging anatomy. Successful treatment depends on proper tuberosity fixation, secure fragment stabilization, and promoting long-term healing.

Catalyst OrthoScience also produces an anatomical shoulder fracture system designed for anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty, as well as reverse systems used in reverse shoulder arthroplasty procedures. These total shoulder systems are helping redefine shoulder replacement surgery through innovative implant design.

How Does the Catalyst Fracture System Work?

The Catalyst CSR system uses anatomically contoured engineering to stabilize broken bone fragments and secure the joint without bone cement. The design focuses on preserving bone and promoting reproducible results, enabling surgeons to achieve more consistent fixation.

Some of the features of the Catalyst fracture system include the following:

Anatomic 135° Neck-Shaft Angle: This angle matches the natural geometry of the human arm bone, providing better stability and natural movement compared to older, steeper 155° designs. This alignment may contribute to a more natural feeling shoulder and improved comfort compared with some traditional approaches.
Left- and Right-Specific Proximal Bodies: Instead of using a generic “one-size-fits-all” piece, the implant shape is mirrored specifically for either the left or right arm.
Tuberosity Retention Rails: A patented system of rails that lets surgeons thread and lock high-strength sutures (stitches) directly around loose bone fragments to hold them firmly against the implant while they heal. This design supports tuberosity repair and helps the surrounding soft tissue remain properly attached during the healing process.
Press-Fit Meta-Diaphyseal Fixation: The stem is tightly wedged directly into the bone canal for immediate rotational stability, allowing the system to work entirely cementless. By eliminating cement and reducing the need for additional hardware such as excess screws, the system may help lower surgical complexity while maintaining stable fixation.

Following shoulder arthroplasty, many patients participate in physical therapy to restore strength, reduce stiffness, and improve function in the shoulder, arm, and adjacent joints such as the elbow.

Who Created the Catalyst Fracture Shoulder System?

A collaborative team of orthopedic surgeons and medical engineers created the Catalyst Fracture Shoulder System. The team included Dr. Benjamin Szerlip, Dr. Matthew Budge, and Dr. Edward Scott Paxton, alongside engineers John Brown, Dinesh Koka, and Ephraim Akyuz. The team developed the prosthesis with a focus on improving surgeon efficiency, patient recovery, and long-term clinical outcomes.

What Award Did the Catalyst Fracture System Win?

The Catalyst Fracture System won the Engineering Breakthrough Award in the 2026 MedTech Breakthrough Awards Program, which celebrates meaningful advances in medical device design, engineering, and patient care. The recognition highlights the company’s growing role in advancing shoulder reconstruction technology and its growing portfolio of innovative orthopedic solutions.

Benefits of the Catalyst Fracture System

The benefits of the Catalyst Fracture System include the following:

Superior Bone Healing & Mobility: Clinical data show that fracture-specific stems and the 135° alignment result in higher rates of bone fragment healing and a better postoperative range of motion (ROM).
Fewer Surgical Steps: By eliminating the need to prepare and apply bone cement and by condensing all necessary instruments for reverse fracture procedures into a single tray, the system cuts out up to 46% of standard operative steps compared to more invasive techniques.
Lower Complication Rates: Utilizing an uncemented (press-fit) technique removes the risks and potential complications associated with medical bone cement. This contributes to fewer complications and better outcomes after surgery.
Hospital Cost & Time Efficiency: A single-tray design means drastically less instrument processing, faster operating room turnaround times, and lower supply costs for hospitals and surgical centers.
Full Compatibility: The fracture stems work seamlessly with all existing Catalyst glenoid (shoulder socket) options, giving the surgical team maximum flexibility. This allows surgeons to select the most appropriate implant configuration based on the patient’s anatomy and individual treatment goals.

Catalyst Shoulder System in Texas

With a growing portfolio of issued and pending patents, Catalyst technology for shoulder replacements is available in Georgetown and Austin, Texas, with Dr. Benjamin Szerlip. As a fellowship-trained shoulder and sports medicine surgeon, he is able to address many shoulder conditions and injuries, finding the best solution for your recovery. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

What is the Catalyst Fracture Shoulder System used for?

The Catalyst Fracture Shoulder System is used to treat proximal humerus fractures, which occur near the top of the upper arm bone.

How is the Catalyst Fracture System different from traditional shoulder fracture implants?

The system uses patient-specific design features, tuberosity retention rails, and cementless fixation to support healing. These features reduce surgical complexity compared to some traditional approaches.

Does the Catalyst Fracture System require bone cement?

No. The system uses press-fit fixation rather than bone cement, which may help reduce certain risks and complications associated with cemented implants.

Will I need physical therapy after surgery?

Most patients participate in physical therapy following shoulder replacement surgery to improve strength, reduce pain and stiffness, and restore shoulder and arm function.

Who may be a candidate for the Catalyst Fracture Shoulder System?

Patients with complex proximal humerus fractures may be candidates for this treatment. An orthopedic shoulder specialist can evaluate your injury and determine whether the Catalyst system is appropriate for your condition and recovery goals.

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