The Pyrocarbon Implant & Their Role in Shoulder Replacements

Hemiarthroplasty is a replacement of the humeral head, the “ball” of the shoulder joint, after trauma, arthritis, or avascular necrosis. Unlike a total shoulder arthroplasty, which replaces both the humeral head and the glenoid (socket), hemiarthroplasty preserves the natural socket. This can be beneficial for younger patients because the plastic socket used for traditional total shoulder replacements can degrade over time, causing potential future complications.

Traditionally, hemiarthroplasty would wear down the glenoid and cause pain over time as the bone erodes. That’s where the softer PyroCarbon implants offer significant progress.

Using PyroCarbon implants for hemiarthroplasty procedures improves patient outcomes. PyroCarbon implants have increased smoothness, as well as self-lubricating and anti-infectious qualities. These traits allow for resistance to wear and corrosion. Furthermore, PyroCarbon implants prevent bone degradation by allowing for the formation of a “neo-membrane” over time. The neo-membrane imitates the cartilage that reduces the amount of degenerative wear, thus maintaining joint space and preventing an increase in pain over time. These properties result in better long-term outcomes, increased range of motion, improved joint preservation, and the possibility to delay or avoid total shoulder replacement.

PyroCarbon implants can also be beneficial for use in the Ream and Run (link to https://www.drcarofino.com/services/ream-and-run) procedure for younger and more active patients.  

Author

Brad Carofino, MD Dr. Brad Carofino is a board-certified (American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery), fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in shoulder & upper extremity surgery. Dr. Carofino is an expert in shoulder replacement surgery, minimally invasive arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, and complex reconstructive procedures of the upper extremity.