Catastrophic failure of a pyrocarbon hemiarthroplasty from glenoid metal anchors

Abstract

Shoulder Pyrocarbon hemiarthroplasties have gained popularity in recent years and provide an exciting new avenue in shoulder surgery. However, we present a case report of catastrophic failure of a Pyrocarbon hemiarthroplasty due to mechanical abrasion from a residual metal anchor in the patients glenoid. We believe all surgeons using Pyrocarbon implants, at any body site, should be aware of this avoidable complication, and urge all metallic implants to be removed before insertion of a Pyrocarbon prosthesis.