Today's KNOWLEDGE Share ;PEKK (polyetherketoneketone) in 2024:

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

PEKK (polyetherketoneketone) in 2024:

Here’s a partial list of PEKK’s attributes as a musculoskeletal implant:

Antibacterial properties; no biofilm formation

A near bio-mechanical twin to cortical bone

Hypoallergenic

Modifiable for a more precise anatomical fit

Better inherent osseointegration than metal

Strategically, this combination of features could improve outcomes (fewer periprosthetic infections, reduced rates of stress shielding or allergic reactions, and a better anatomical fit) and reduce revision surgeries saving musculoskeletal care providers hundreds of millions of dollars.

If there were a way to meet or exceed metal’s performance and complex design innovation, most surgeons would take a long hard look at polymer constructs.

For five major reasons:

Metal complicates post-op visualization

Metal often leads to stress shielding and loosening

Metal implants cannot be modified by the surgeon in the O.R.

Some patients have an allergic response to metal

Biofilm formation and infection risk come with using metal

Since 2006, DeFelice has been piling up key PEKK milestones:

2006: first machined PEKK spinal cages

2010: FDA clears first PEKK tissue marker

2012: FDA clears first PEKK craniomaxillofacial device (OsteoFab®)

2015: FDA clears first OsteoFab PEKK VBR spinal implant

2016: PEKK Wins Best Technology in Spine Award

2017: FDA clears PEKK spine implants made with OsteoFab process

2019: FDA clears PEKK suture anchor for multiple indications

In addition to 3D printing PEKK implants, OPM sells PEKK in powder, rod, and pellet forms.

Comparing Cortical Bone to 3D-Printed PEKK

This study, conducted by Northeastern University, concluded that PEKK, when compared to PEEK, titanium and cobalt chrome, was most similar to cortical bone in terms of:

Density

Tensile strength – 2 measures

Elongation at break point

Modulus of Elasticity

Yield strength

source:Scott DeFelice (OMP) / (Ortho pedics)