Advancing care for scapula & chest wall injuries

The Scapula Institute’s History

1,000+ Patients Treated

Trusted by patients from around the world seeking specialized care for complex scapula and chest wall injuries.

130+ Publications & Chapters

The Scapula Institute has published over 88 peer-reviewed journal publications, and 43 book chapters, on subjects related to scapula and chest wall ortho care.

45+ Fellows Trained

The Institute has trained 44 surgeon experts through one-year dedicated orthopedic trauma fellowship at Regions Hostpital.

800+ Outcomes

The largest patient-reported outcomes database dedicated to scapula and chest wall injuries worldwide.

Who we are

A dedicated team advancing care

The Scapula Institute is a multidisciplinary team committed to advancing research, education, and patient care in shoulder girdle and chest wall injury. Through focused study and clinical experience, we have developed advanced diagnostic strategies and pioneered surgical approaches to complex fractures of the scapula, clavicle, and shoulder girdle unit, and their critical interaction with the chest wall and ribs.

Our Goal: to restore function, improve outcomes, and elevate the standard of care for these rare and complex injuries.

Our approach

A rare focus, a global impact

Scapula and chest wall injuries are among the most complex and least commonly treated conditions in orthopaedics. Our dedicated focus allows us to bring a level of expertise that is both highly specialized and globally relevant. We integrate research, education, and clinical insight to improve outcomes and expand what is possible in treatment.

Despite sometimes devastating injuries, Dr. Cole often says, “My goal is to give you the best possible shoulder you can have.”

How we work

Built for the education of patients and medical professionals

For Patients

Clear guidance for understanding conditions and navigating the path to recovery.

For Clinicians

Advanced training and pathways to surgical mastery in shoulder girdle and chest wall care.

For Research

A collaborative platform advancing research and expanding the evidence base in scapula and chest wall injury care.

For Education

Multiple formats of learning for clinicians at every stage of their career.

Whether you are a patient seeking the right path forward, a clinician pursuing advanced training, or a researcher expanding the field, the Scapula Institute serves as a central resource for shoulder girdle injury and chest wall injury care.

Our Mission

Mastery through understanding

Our mission is to master the understanding of the shoulder girdle and chest wall, including its musculature, skeletal components, articulations, neruovascular anatomy, and supporting structures. Through this work, we continue to advance diagnostics, surgical techniques, and patient outcomes.

Our Vision

Redefining what’s possible

Our vision is to be the lifelong go-to platform for patients and clinicians, supporting the scapula, chest wall, and underlying ribs while setting the global gold standard for education, research, and care. We aim to be at the forefront of pioneering research and innovative solutions that redefine how injuries of the scapula and chest wall are understood, prevented, and treated.