[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.
Read more about our site...
[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]
Micromechancial Model of HA-PEEK Composites
The objective of this study was to establish key structure-property relationships and predictive capabilities for the design of hydroxyapatite (HA) whisker reinforced PEEK composites and, more generally, discontinuous short fiber-reinforced composite materials. This research demonstrates the ability to accurately predict differences in orthotropic elastic constants due to changes in the reinforcement orientation distribution, which will aid in the design of HA whisker reinforced PEEK composites and, more generally, discontinuous short fiber-reinforced composites.
Biomechanical Assessment of a PEEK Rod System for Semi-Rigid Fixation of Lumbar Fusion Constructs
The purpose of this study was to characterize the mechanical and biomechanical properties of a pedicle screw-based polyetheretherketone (PEEK) SRF system for the lumbar spine to compare its kinematic, structural, and durability performance profile against that of traditional lumbar fusion systems. Performance of the SRF system was characterized using a validated spectrum of experimental, computational, and in vitro testing. Finite element models were first used to optimize the size and shape of the polymeric rods and bound their performance parameters. Subsequently, benchtop tests determined the static and dynamic performance threshold of PEEK rods in relevant loading modes (flexion-extension (F/E), axial rotation (AR), and lateral bending (LB)).
Heat Generated by Hip Resurfacing Prostheses: an In Vivo Pilot Study
In this pilot clinical study, researchers determined the magnitude of temperature increases in resurfaced hips. Temperature sensors were placed percutaneously in both hip joints of 12 volunteer patients who had 1 or both joints resurfaced with a range of bearing materials, including CFR-PEEK. A resurfaced hip with a ceramic femoral and CFR-PEEK or polyurethane acetabulum generated less heat than a resurfaced hip of the same design using a cobalt-chromium femur and either cobalt-chromium, or polyethylene for the acetabulum.
PEEK Dental Implants: A Review of the Literature
In this review article, researchers from the Charite hospital in Berlin evaluated whether there are existing studies reporting on PEEK (polyetheretherketone) as an alternative material for dental implants. A systematic literature search of PubMed until December 2010 yielded three articles reporting on dental implants made from PEEK. The existing articles reporting on PEEK dental implants indicate, that PEEK could represent a viable alternative material for dental implants. But further experimental studies on the chemical modulation of PEEK seem to be necessary, mainly to increase the BIC ratio and to minimize the stress distribution to the periimplant bone.
[Featured Standards]
Medical Grade PAEK Standard Updates from ASTM
At the November 2011 ASTM meeting in Tampa Bay, the results of ballots for the PEEK and PEKK standards was reviewed. The material standards are being updated to include quality system requirements for the production of resin and stock shapes. The task force also reviewed updates to the small punch test standard which is being developed for PEEK, UHMWPE, and bone cements. The next task force meeting will be in May 2012 in Phoenix Arizona. Please also see the F04 meeting webpage on the ASTM website for more details about future task force meetings.
More Standards...
[Featured Conferences]
PEEK in Arthroplasty: Expert Round Table, Panel Discussion & Lunch
Exponent Inc. invites you to join leading, international experts as they discuss the use of PEEK material in bearing applications and arthroplasty. The meeting will take place Wednesday, February 8, 2012 between 12:00 – 1:30 PM at the W Hotel San Francisco – Great Room 2 (At Third Street & Howard; Across from Moscone Center). PEEK is increasingly considered in arthroplasty for not only replacing metallic components, such as femoral stems, but also as a bearing material in joint resurfacing applications and articulations with cartilage. This round table will begin with each panelist providing a brief overview of their area of expertise and a short presentation related to their research in PEEK applications for arthroplasty. The short talks will be followed by a round table discussion and audience questions. This complimentary program is targeted to Medical Device Industry, University and Research professionals involved in the development or research of arthroplasty devices. Click here to see the evite and RSVP for the meeting.
For more information, please contact: Steven M. Kurtz, PhD. Exponent Inc. skurtz@exponent.com (215) 594-8851
More Conferences...