Shoulder pain or arthritis can make even simple tasks difficult. For many patients, shoulder replacement surgery is the answer. But traditional implants, usually made from metal or plastic, can come with challenges, especially for younger or more active patients. Plastic socket components are known to loosen over time, particularly in younger patients with higher activity levels. The loosening process can also result in pronounced bone loss of the shoulder socket, making revision replacement on the socket side more difficult.
That’s where pyrocarbon shoulder replacement comes in. This breakthrough procedure uses a bone-preserving implant made from a material closer to natural bone. A plastic socket component is not required. Patients often experience smoother movement, excellent recovery, and possibly longer-lasting results at higher activity levels. And Dr. Armodios Hatzidakis was the very first surgeon in the United States to perform a pyrocarbon shoulder replacement. He has now completed over 250 of these advanced procedures, more than nearly anyone else in the country.
The Challenges of Traditional Shoulder Implants
While effective for many people, older implant technology can create long-term difficulties:
- Bone removal – Traditional implants often require cutting away more bone, which limits future surgical options.
- Wear and tear – Metal or plastic parts can wear down faster, sometimes leading to revision surgery.
- Less natural feel – Many patients notice a difference compared to the smooth movement of a healthy shoulder.
The Benefits of Pyrocarbon Shoulder Surgery
Pyrocarbon changes the game with features designed to solve those issues:
- Less invasive – Preserves more of your natural socket bone.
- Natural feel – Pyrocarbon mimics real bone, improving comfort and motion.
- Smooth and non-scratch surface – Pyrocarbon is the naturally smoothest joint replacement surface available, and it is very resistant to scratch, theoretically decreasing wear on the socket bone over time.
- Durable design – Built to resist wear and extend the life of your shoulder.
- Faster recovery – Less disruption means many patients return to daily activities sooner.
- Ideal for active patients – Especially beneficial for younger or active athletic patients.
Why Choose Dr. Hatzidakis?
When it comes to shoulder replacement in the United States, Dr. Armodios Hatzidakis is more than an expert surgeon—he’s a pioneer. Not only was he the first to perform pyrocarbon shoulder replacement in the U.S., but he also headed the multicenter study in the United States that led to its approval. His center just published 7 year results on this implant in the most prestigious Orthopaedic journal, the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (November 2025). His unmatched expertise and track record of thousands of successful shoulder surgeries make him one of the most trusted names in advanced shoulder care.
Take the Next Step
If shoulder pain is holding you back, now is the time to explore the most advanced solutions available. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Armodios Hatzidakis at DenverShoulder.com and discover how Pyrocarbon shoulder replacement can help you move better, recover faster, and live without your current pain.
