The theoretical benefits of improved smoothness and boundary-lubrication have attracted attention to the use of pyrocarbon for shoulder hemiarthroplasty. In a recent blog post, the recent literature was summarized: Pyrocarbon Shoulder Hemiarthroplasty- What do we think?
This month, the authors of Pyrocarbon humeral heads for hemi-shoulder arthroplasty grant satisfactory clinical scores with minimal glenoid erosion at 5 to 9 years follow-up report their experience with 37 of 45 patients having hemiarthroplasty (HSA) with the Tornier / Stryker implant (shown below), evaluating the progression of glenoid erosion and clinical scores from short- (2-4 years) to mid-term (5-9 years).
Two of the initial 45 patients had revision surgery due to persistent pain.
Constant scores improved for the patients who did not undergo revision surgery. They went from a score of 29.3 at the time of the operation to 76.7 in a first follow-up of approximately 2.2 years, and then to 80.8 by the second follow-up of approximately 6.2 years.
Comparing radiographs taken immediately after surgery, 10 shoulders had a progression in glenoid erosion of 1 or 2 grades. The glenoid erosive process was mild in 9 shoulders (24%) and severe for 3 (8.8%) at the second follow-up.
