Polyetheretherketone as a biomaterial for spinal applications

Biomaterials. 2006 Jan;27(3):324-34. doi: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2005.07.011. Epub 2005 Aug 22.

Abstract

Threaded lumbar interbody spinal fusion devices (TIBFD) made from titanium have been reported to be 90% effective for single-level lumbar interbody fusion, although radiographic determination of fusion has been intensely debated in the literature. Using blinded radiographic, biomechanic, histologic, and statistical measures, we evaluated a radiolucent polyetheretherketone (PEEK)-threaded interbody fusion device packed with autograft or rhBMP-2 on an absorbable collagen sponge in 13 sheep at 6 months. Radiographic fusion, increased spinal level biomechanical stiffness, and histologic fusion were demonstrated for the PEEK cages filled with autograft or rhBMP-2 on a collagen sponge. No device degradation or wear debris was observed. Only mild chronic inflammation consisting of a few macrophages was observed in peri-implant tissues. Based on these results, the polymeric biomaterial PEEK may be a useful biomaterial for interbody fusion cages due to the polymer's increased radiolucency and decreased stiffness.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Benzophenones
  • Biocompatible Materials / therapeutic use*
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2
  • Bone Morphogenetic Proteins / pharmacology
  • Bone Transplantation / methods
  • Diskectomy
  • Growth Substances / pharmacology
  • Guided Tissue Regeneration / methods*
  • Implants, Experimental
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Ketones / therapeutic use*
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / pathology
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / physiopathology
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / surgery
  • Models, Animal
  • Osseointegration / drug effects
  • Osteogenesis / drug effects
  • Polyethylene Glycols / therapeutic use*
  • Polymers
  • Recombinant Proteins / pharmacology
  • Sheep
  • Spinal Fusion / methods*
  • Spinal Injuries / therapy
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / pharmacology

Substances

  • Benzophenones
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2
  • Bone Morphogenetic Proteins
  • Growth Substances
  • Ketones
  • Polymers
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta
  • recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2
  • polyetheretherketone
  • Polyethylene Glycols