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

Abstract

Carbon-fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone implants offer several benefits over traditional metal implants. Their radiolucent property permits improved, artifact-free radiographic imaging. Their lower modulus of elasticity better matches that of bone. Their fatigue strength is greater than most metal implants. This article reviews the use of these implants in orthopedic surgery, including treatment of conditions involving the spine, trauma, tumor, and infection.

Composite PEEK/Carbon fiber implants can increase the effectiveness of radiotherapy in the management of spine tumors

“…This material has proven to be biocompatible and to promote bone fusion, thus resulting in excellent clinical outcome (17). Moreover, their lower modulus of elasticity better matches that of bone (18).…”

High-Performance Materials for Biomedical Applications-A Short Review

“…[3][4][5] The biopolymers, dematerialized bone matrices and natural fibers also provide an innate increased resistance to corrosion in the human body environment, owing to which the implants fabricated of these materials shall present a more conducive environment for bone growth during healing. 6,7 The use of these composites is not limited to just implant applications, and extends to external fixations and prosthetic applications such as prosthetic sockets, liners, foot, fabric resistance temperature detectors (for supracutaneous applications, smart clothing, medical electronics, etc.).…”

Recent developments on intramedullary nailing: a biomechanical perspective

“…An example of a commercially available nailing system is the CarboFix “Piccolo” intramedullary nails made of carbon fiber–reinforced polyetheretherketone (PEEK) polymer, where the fibers can be oriented in different directions. This material gives the fixation device an elastic modulus close to that of cortical bone, and its radiolucent property permits improved, artifact‐free radiographic imaging …”

“…This material gives the fixation device an elastic modulus close to that of cortical bone, and its radiolucent property permits improved, artifactfree radiographic imaging. [81][82][83] Another group of promising biomaterials is magnesium alloys, which have attracted great attention in recent years. These materials present superior mechanical properties when compared with pure polymers, since they have a higher strength and a Young's modulus similar to cortical bone.…”