Self-tapping ability of carbon fibre reinforced polyetheretherketone suture anchors

Abstract

An experimental and computational investigation of the self-tapping ability of carbon fibre reinforced polyetheretherketone (CFR-PEEK) has been conducted. Six CFR-PEEK suture anchor designs were investigated using PEEK-OPTIMA® Reinforced, a medical grade of CFR-PEEK. Experimental tests were conducted to investigate the maximum axial force and torque required for self-taping insertion of each anchor design. Additional experimental tests were conducted for some anchor designs using pilot holes. Computational simulations were conducted to determine the maximum stress in each anchor design at various stages of insertion. Simulations also were performed to investigate the effect of wall thickness in the anchor head. The maximum axial force required to insert a self-tapping CFR-PEEK suture anchor did not exceed 150 N for any anchor design. The maximum torque required to insert a self-tapping CFR-PEEK suture anchor did not exceed 0.8 Nm. Computational simulations reveal significant stress concentrations in the region of the anchor tip, demonstrating that a re-design of the tip geometry should be performed to avoid fracture during self-tapping, as observed in the experimental component of this study. This study demonstrates the ability of PEEK-OPTIMA Reinforced suture anchors to self-tap polyurethane foam bone analogue. This provides motivation to further investigate the self-tapping ability of CFR-PEEK suture anchors in animal/cadaveric bone. An optimised design for CFR-PEEK suture anchors offers the advantages of radiolucency, and mechanical properties similar to bone with the ability to self-tap. This may have positive implications for reducing surgery times and the associated costs with the procedure.

Use of Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Composite Implants in Orthopedic Surgery

“…Volume fraction of the carbon fibers also determines mechanical properties of CFR-PEEK. 9 This material has several biomechanical advantages when compared with traditionally used metals such as titanium or stainless steel. Its fatigue strength and modulus of elasticity make CFR-PEEK an ideal implant material for plates and nails.…”

“…The increased mechanical strength of CFR-PEEK, along with optimized anchor design, may address the challenges of insertion torque and permit future development of selfdrilling and self-tapping CFR-PEEK suture anchors. 9…”

Electrospun Heparin‐Loaded Core–Shell Nanofiber Sutures for Achilles Tendon Regeneration In Vivo

“…Several biomaterials of synthetic and natural origin, including polyglycolic acid (PGA), poly‐ l ‐lactic acid (PLLA), polyamide (PA), polylactic‐ co ‐glycolic acid (PLGA), polydioxanone (PDS), carbon fibers, and collagen, have been evaluated as alternative suture materials. Melt spinning, the most commonly used technique for producing commercial sutures (CSs), utilizes high temperature to process polymers .…”