[Welcome to the Online Reference for PEEK Implants]
Our goals are to highlight recent developments in clinically relevant PEEK research and to stimulate hypothesis-driven investigations related to medical grade polyaryletherketones.
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[Newsworthy]
PEEK Biomaterials Handbook
A new textbook dedicated to PEEK Biomaterials, edited by Dr. Steve Kurtz, has been published as part of the Plastics Design Library by Elsevier Inc. This Handbook brings together experts in many different facets related to PEEK clinical performance as well as in the areas of materials science, tribology, and biology to provide a complete reference for specialists in the field of plastics, biomaterials, medical device design and surgical applications. This book can be ordered at Amazon.
[Featured Publications & Reports]
PEEK in Arthroplasty Expert Round Table Presentation: Design and Development of the Epoch Hip Prosthesis
This presentation by Mike Hawkins, Ph.D., discusses the design and development of the Epoch femoral stem, a pioneering application of PEEK in hip arthroplasty. The presentation covers the fabrication, preclinical testing, animal testing, and clinical studies for the Epoch hip prosthesis.
Poster: Evaluation of PEEK-on-PEEK as a New Articulation
In this conference poster, researchers Investigated the wear performance of PEEK-on-PEEK bearings under simulated cervical artificial disc loading conditions. An initial run-in phase with a high wear rate and a second phase starting at 4 million cycles with a reduced wear rate (3.5 times less) was observed.
PEEK in Arthroplasty Expert Round Table Presentation: CFR-PEEK as a Hip Bearing Material
This presentation by Jim Nevelos, Ph.D., covers the attributes of CFR-PEEK that led Stryker to investigate the material as a candidate bearing material in the 1990s. The presentation summarizes the preclinical studies that preceeded the clinical studies of the ABG II and Mitch PCR Cup in Europe.
PEEK in Arthroplasty Expert Round Table Presentation: Clinical Experience of PEEK bearings
In his round table presentation, Mr. Richard Field provides an overview of the clinical studies of the Cambridge cup, the ABG II, and Mitch PCR cups in Europe. This talk highlights the successes and unexpected challenges encountered as a clinical pioneer of PEEK bearings in hip arthroplasty.
PEEK in Arthroplasty Expert Round Table Presentation: FDA Pathway and Preclinical wear testing of PEEK arthroplasty devices
This presentation clarifies the US regulatory pathway for PEEK arthroplasty bearings as requiring an investigational device exemption (IDE) and premarket approval (PMA). The FDA's current concerns about preclinical testing of PEEK bearings are also summarized.
PEEK in Arthroplasty Expert Round Table Presentation: Tribology of Orthopaedic PEEK-on-PEEK Bearings
This presentation covers research at the University of Waterloo directed to understanding the tribology of PEEK-on-PEEK bearings, primarily for cervical disc arthroplasty applications. Tribological assessment was performed using a multi-directional pin-on-disc tribometer (OrthoPOD) with clinically relevant lubrication. The testing program also incorporated adverse, high stress conditions.
PEEK in Arthroplasty Expert Round Table Presentation: The Issue of Wear
This presentation summarizes research from Rush University regarding the tribologic aspects of PEEK-on-PEEK bearings and articulations of PEEK with cartilage. A custom test method is described for studing the tribology of PEEK against cartilage.
[Featured Standards]
Medical Grade PAEK Standard Updates from ASTM
At the May 2012 ASTM meeting in Phoenix, the results of ballots for the PEEK standard specification F2026 was reviewed. The material standards has been updated to include quality system requirements for the production of resin and stock shapes. The task force also reviewed the results of a draft ISO protocol for measuring the transition temperatures of PEEK using DSC. The PEKK standard specification, which was updated to include quality system requirements, has passed Main ballot and been cleared for publication. The next task force meeting will be in November 2012 in Atlanta Georgia. Please also see the F04 meeting webpage on the ASTM website for more details about future task force meetings.
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[Featured Conferences]
PEEK in Spine: Expert Round Table, Panel Discussion, & Lunch
Exponent Inc. invites you to join leading, international experts as they discuss whether PEEK Rod systems offer clinical advantages.
PEEK polymer is well known in the spine industry, mainly for its use in implantable cages. However, its recent use in spine rods has played a key role in semi rigid fixation systems, as these PEEK Rod systems offer new options for surgeons compared to traditional rigid or dynamic systems.
This round table will begin with each panellist providing a brief overview of their area of expertise and a short presentation related to their research in PEEK applications for spine rods. The short talks will be followed by a round table discussion and audience questions.
Invited speakers include Dr. Anand Agarwal, Dr. Laure Devun, Dr. Thierry Desjardins, and Giles Larroque. The round table and panel discussion will be moderated by Steve Kurtz, Exponent.
This complimentary program is targeted to the Spine Medical Device Industry, Surgeons, University and professionals involved in New Technologies and Product Development.
For more information, please contact: Steven M. Kurtz, PhD. Exponent Inc. skurtz@exponent.com (215) 594-8851.
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