• Biomaterial Solutions

• Biocompatible Polymers

• Surgeon Benefits

• Medical Applications

• Spine
• Orthopaedic
• Arthroscopy
• Cardiovascular
• Dental
• Neurology
• Pharmaceutical

Reliable Soft Tissue Repair, Without the Metal

Arthroscopic procedures have long relied on metallic fixation devices, usually made from stainless steel or titanium, for soft tissue repair. As metallic implant replacements, Invibio® PEEK-OPTIMA® polymers and compounds provide an excellent balance of performance, strength, and imaging characteristics for arthroscopy biomaterial applications:

Excellent Balance of Properties for Arthroscopy

• Controlled imaging properties allow healing site monitoring and implant placement verification
• Bone-like modulus encourages load-sharing, which minimizes stress shielding and stimulates bone healing; increased strength compared to bioresorbables (i.e. PLLA)
• Injection molding allows cost-effective manufacturing of small, complex devices
• Easily removed or revised without the risk of leaving metallic debris
• Inherent lubricity provides low coefficient of friction; reduces drag and premature wear on sutures
• High strength-to weight ratio allows design of small, but very strong, devices

A Range of PEEK-OPTIMA Options for Arthroscopy

Fixation System

A world-wide leader in arthroscopy required a non-resorbable, implantable biomaterial for a critical fixation system component that was small and very strong. The selection of PEEK-OPTIMA polymer over other polymers enabled the design of a high strength, small cross-section component that permitted the use of a standard delivery technique for implanting the fixation system. PEEK-OPTIMA was chosen not only for its outstanding mechanical properties, but also for its ability to be injection molded. Injection molding made it possible to produce a small, high-strength component with complex geometry including recesses, holes and gripping points. Due to the dimensional stability of PEEK-OPTIMA, the suture holes maintain circularity and the gripping points remain sharp.

Additionally, PEEK-OPTIMA polymer is inherently lubricious. The injection molded component has smooth through holes which facilitate the sliding of the suture and greatly reduce the potential for micro-abrasion of the sutures which could lead to fixation failure.

Spiked Washer

Image Contrast Grade PEEK-OPTIMA chosen for a new spiked washer which is used to reattach avulsed ligaments. The inherent strength of the injection moldable biomaterial enabled a streamlined design that eliminated the need for a metallic reinforcing ring, which was required in earlier washers, and allowed a low profile, which helps to reduce tissue abrasion and provides for improved anatomical fit.

Additionally, the Image Contrast grade provides controlled visibility on x-ray and CT scans. A further consideration in the material selection was the ability of PEEK-OPTIMA polymer to withstand repeat sterilizations without loss of performance or mechanical properties, which was a concern with many alternative polymers.

Suture Anchor

PEEK-OPTIMA polymer was chosen as a radiolucent biomaterial alternative to titanium for an advanced bone suture anchor. The highly biocompatible polymer offers a modulus that is much closer to natural bone than metals while still offering the strength required for the applications. Additionally, the inherent lubricity of PEEK-OPTIMA polymer reduces the wear on sutures which could contribute to pre-mature failure.

For information on our PEEK-based solutions for arthroscopy, contact Invibio today.