Peter A. Cole, MD

Peter A. Cole, MD • Division Head, Orthopaedics, Regions Hospital
• Professor, University of Minnesota
• Leader in Ortho Trauma, Scapula Injury, & Chest Wall Injury

I am Chair of the Orthopaedic Surgery Department at Regions Hospital, Division Medical Director for HealthPartners Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Director of The NorthStar Trauma Network, and Director of the Orthopaedic Trauma Fellowship at the University of Minnesota—Regions NorthStar Level I Trauma Center. Though my medical and surgical practice is based at Regions Level I Trauma Center, I am

a full-time University of Minnesota Professor. I have developed a worldwide reputation as an educator and researcher on advanced trauma topics including complex joint injuries, bone malunions and the broken pelvis. I have been recognized as a leading expert in minimally invasive fracture surgery, Rib Fractures and Chest Wall fixation, and have the largest experience on record for the treatment of Scapula fractures. Underlying these clinical, administrative and investigative accomplishments is a passion for innovative problem solving, whether for patient conditions, surgical instruments, or challenges in healthcare delivery. Lastly, I am a proud husband, father of three children, and my wife Nancy and I founded a mission in the Amazon Jungle of Peru for musculoskeletal needs in surgery and rehabilitation (www.scalpelatthecross.org).

04/29/2026

Something new is coming

The Scapula Institute is a dedicated team advancing research and education in shoulder and chest wall injury, delivering the highest level of care to patients facing the most complex challenges in the space.

We’re proud to be partnering in building a platform that reflects this mission, one that positions The Scapula Institute as a global network: supporting the scapula, its patients, and the clinicians who care for them.

A refreshed brand. A new digital home. A step toward setting the global standard for scapula care.
The Strategic Brand Platform is coming soon.

Cleveland Clinic's Great Shoulder Team....joined up for my last lab before launching Advita Equinoxe, the only acromial ...
04/29/2026

Cleveland Clinic's Great Shoulder Team....joined up for my last lab before launching Advita Equinoxe, the only acromial fracture solution for reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty. 1rst Case maiden voyage in Saint Paul tomorrow God willing!

https://advita.com/trauma-reconstruction/equinoxe-scapula-reconstruction-system/

We had a blast discovering, sharing, learning.....
The morning lineup of cars descending at the main pavilion for patients entering for the 130 operating rooms is just like airport pickup at Christmas Time--what a Buzz!

04/26/2026

Happy to share that our first paper together is now published in JBJS Case Connector.
A case developed during my AOTrauma fellowship with Dr. Peter A. Cole .peter.cole and his team at the University of Minnesota — a forequarter lateral implosion injury with scapular and clavicular malunions, addressed in a single-stage reconstruction, with six-year follow-up.

Grateful to Dr. Cole, Alejandra Huaco , and Jeff Winter for the support and mentorship.

First of many. Looking forward to what comes next.

DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.25.00690

What we did in Vegas will not stay in Vegas! 20 Ortho & Gen Trauma Surgeons came together with an incredible faculty to ...
04/01/2026

What we did in Vegas will not stay in Vegas!

20 Ortho & Gen Trauma Surgeons came together with an incredible faculty to learn next-level care for chest-wall-injured patients.

The 5-Labs facility across from The Palms is amongst the nicest labs I’ve hosted a course in—capacious, sunlit, well preserved bodies, well-stocked tables, and best staff ever.

Best Ever recognition also certainly goes to my Co-Chair Tom White and our faculty: David Weatherby, Mark Kryskow and Tommy Githens—incredible Ortho-Trauma hybrid teaching. I can tell you my own practice notches higher each time I log time with these guys. Thanks to the excellent & gracious KLS Martin Group for bringing it all to reality and setting the world aflame!
…..and oh by the way, The Sphere is nothing short of a mindblowing phenomenon!

The largest Gap in Surgery is between the standard of practice and the standard of care for rib fracture treatment and this crew is closing it!

The decision makers have spoken!Now help us continue building a strong, thoughtful brand for the Scapula Institute by ca...
03/30/2026

The decision makers have spoken!

Now help us continue building a strong, thoughtful brand for the Scapula Institute by casting your vote on the Route 1–5 color schemes ⬇

I am extremely excited with the announcement of this expansion of our Regions Hospital NorthStar Team in the coming mont...
03/27/2026

I am extremely excited with the announcement of this expansion of our Regions Hospital NorthStar Team in the coming months. Regions Hospital Orthopedic Trauma has continued to raise the bar for over two decades with the advancement of clinical care in the context of its research and educational programs. Humza Shaikh from Ohio State is a rising star in the area of Complex Forequarter Injuries, fractures of the shoulder and chest wall, but he will also buttress our broad fracture coverage and management of the multiply injured patient. Tyler Moon is a Blue Chip draft pick from Texas from arguably the most dominant education fellowship program in the field, and he will be ready to run on September 1!




Vote in the comments: 1️⃣, 2️⃣, 3️⃣, or 4️⃣ 👇As The Scapula Institute prepares for a new look, we invite you to be part ...
03/19/2026

Vote in the comments: 1️⃣, 2️⃣, 3️⃣, or 4️⃣ 👇

As The Scapula Institute prepares for a new look, we invite you to be part of the process by voting on their next logo.

The Scapula Institute is a dedicated team advancing research and education in shoulder and chest wall injury, while delivering the highest level of care to patients facing these complex conditions.

et al. is proud to partner in building a platform that reflects this mission, positioning The Scapula Institute as a global network supporting the scapula, its patients, and the clinicians who care for them.

Together, we are elevating a digital ecosystem designed to advance research, education, and patient care across the entire shoulder girdle. This is more than a rebrand. It’s a step forward in setting the global standard for scapula care.

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons in The Crescent CityNew Orleans has always been my favorite site for the annual...
03/17/2026

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons in The Crescent City

New Orleans has always been my favorite site for the annual gathering of Orthopaedic Surgeons from throughout the world, and this year was no different. It’s the Southern Creole-vibe, saloon jazz-heads, julips & hurricanes, muffalettas and shrimpy grits.......but even more the professional network connections around past legacies and future stakes which highlight brightest for me. Opportunities to assess new technology, teach and learn, help define the future, abound.

Closing the GapThe mission is to solve the pestilent complication of Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty, the acromion f...
02/24/2026

Closing the Gap

The mission is to solve the pestilent complication of Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty, the acromion fracture-nonunion, which dogs patients with pain for months....years. We have the solution.

It was a fun exchange with an awesome Austin 8-pack of shoulder surgeons!

Thanks to the Advita Ortho education team for closing the gap at Scrub Sink Bio Skills Center!

Address

640 Jackson Street
Saint Paul, MN
55101

Telephone

+16512548300

Website

https://linktr.ee/dr.peter.a.cole

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