SHOULDER
Why This Matters
Shoulder replacement surgery has long used metal implants, which serve many patients well—yet active, younger individuals often worry about how long they’ll last and whether they’ll feel natural.
That’s where Stryker’s pyrocarbon implant steps in. This material, more like bone and cartilage than metal, is designed to be gentler on the shoulder joint and may help maintain activity levels longer.
What Is Pyrocarbon?
- High-tech carbon coating: Pyrocarbon is created by layering carbon onto graphite at extremely high temperatures.
- Strong yet flexible: It’s durable like metal but has a flexibility (elasticity) closer to natural bone.
- Smooth and low-friction: Its surface glides more like natural cartilage, which may reduce wear on the joint socket.
- Proven track record: Used in orthopedic implants internationally since the 1980s and specifically in shoulder surgeries since around 2013.
- U.S. cleared in 2023: The Tornier Pyrocarbon Humeral Head became the first FDA-cleared pyrocarbon implant for shoulder hemiarthroplasty in the U.S. in March 2023.
What Patients (and Experts) Say
- Pyrocarbon's properties—high wear resistance, low friction, bone-like elasticity—offer promising early clinical results.
- A case study showed a patient with avascular necrosis remained pain-free and functional three years post-surgery, using a pyrocarbon-coated implant.
- Reports also highlight pyrocarbon’s ability to protect surrounding structures, such as the glenoid, potentially reducing the need for future surgeries.
What It Means for You
More natural feel ---- The implant’s lightweight, cartilage-like surface makes movement smoother and more comfortable.
Less joint wear ---- Its low‑friction coating helps protect joint surfaces, making the shoulder potentially more durable.
Stay active longer ---- Designed with active, younger patients in mind, the implant supports athletic and daily pursuits.
Real-world results ---- Whether they are resuming their work or getting back to playing their favorite sport, patients with pyrocarbon implants are returning to what matters most in their lives.
In Summary
Stryker’s pyrocarbon implant offers a fresh, bone-like solution for shoulder replacement—especially meaningful for active people looking to stay pain-free and vibrant. With real-world success stories like Kirby’s, it’s clear that this isn’t just about better implants—it’s about delivering better lives.
Official image of Stryker’s Tornier Pyrocarbon Humeral Head implant:
