First Clinical Use of Stryker’s Tornier Pyrocarbon Humeral Head

Stryker has announced that Armodios M. Hatzidakis, MD, FAAOS, Western Orthopaedics, PC, Denver Surgery Center and Rose Medical Center, has successfully completed the first case in the U.S., since the De Novo clearance, using the Tornier pyrocarbon humeral head.
 
The De Novo request was granted in late 2022 after completing an investigational device exemption (IDE) study.
 
“Historically, joint replacement surgery for younger patients with severe shoulder arthritis has been challenging, with a high early failure risk due to socket component loosening,” Dr. Hatzidakis, the primary investigator for the IDE, told the press. “I’m very pleased with the results my patients in the clinical trial have had with Stryker’s Tornier Pyrocarbon Humeral Head, including those with up to seven years of follow up. It’s encouraging to have an alternative for patients without the risk of socket component loosening.”
 
The advanced pyrocarbon bearing material has surface properties more similar to bone than traditional orthopedic metallic bearing surfaces. It has been used internationally for a variety of orthopedic procedures since the early 1990s and in shoulder surgeries since 2013.
 
Stryker is the first company to provide an FDA-cleared pyrocarbon implant for shoulder hemiarthroplasty in the U.S.
 
“As a global leader in shoulder arthroplasty, we are excited to bring this technology to the United States,” said Tim Lanier, vice president and general manager, Upper Extremities, Stryker. “Dr. Hatzidakis’ first clinical usage of the Pyrocarbon Humeral Head for shoulder hemiarthroplasty is another milestone demonstrating our drive to provide new options for shoulder surgeons and their patients and make healthcare better.”