Applications of Polyetheretherketone in Trauma, Arthroscopy, and Cranial Defect Repair

Publisher Summary This chapter summarizes the historical development of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and other isoelastic prostheses for fracture fixation, cranial defect repair, and arthroscopy. It discusses the continuously morphing understanding of the ideal environment for fracture healing and explores the benefits and drawbacks of using semirigid fixation, including materials such as PEEK, for internal fixation. Semirigid fixation for trauma and arthroscopy has been finding favor as the fracture healing and stress shielding literature continues to develop. Although PEEK fracture fixation has a number of proposed benefits for fracture healing, it remains to be seen whether a PEEK solution can provide better clinical and functional outcomes relative to metallic fixation. PEEK has, however, found early clinical success in arthroscopic and cranial defect markets. It is expected that performance of PEEK implants for each of these applications will continue to improve as product design methodologies innovate to optimize and capitalize on the unique material property advantages inherent in this material. Bones provide structural support for the body, protect internal organs, facilitate movement, produce blood cells, and store minerals. When a bone absorbs energy above its ultimate strength, a fracture occurs along line or lines of least resistance. Open reduction and internal fixation is the preferred method to treat most bone fractures. The necessary requirements for a polymer implant material for internal fixation are sufficient strength and stiffness, long-term stability, the ability to be sterilized without degradation, and biocompatibility. PEEK possesses a number of properties that make it suitable for certain trauma applications. PEEK is biocompatible, meaning there are no toxic, inflammatory, or allergic reactions. Clinical studies of customized PEEK cranioplasty implants have reported promising results.