Porous PEEK improves the bone-implant interface compared to plasma-sprayed, titanium-coated PEEK, according to a study in Biomaterials.
The study compared the in vitro and in vivo bone response to smooth porous PEEK and smooth plasma-sprayed, titanium-coated PEEK. Researchers assessed osseointegration by inserting cylindrical implants into the proximal tibiae of male rats for eight weeks.
Here are three things to know:
1. Researchers found cells on porous PEEK surfaces produced more calcium, osteocalcin and vascular endothelial growth factor than smooth PEEK and titanium-coated PEEK groups.
2. Porous PEEK implants demonstrated greater pullout force, stiffness and energy-to-failure compared to smooth PEEK and titanium-coated PEEK, despite titanium-coated PEEK exhibiting a high degree of bone-implant contact. Study authors attributed the results to increased bone mechanical interlocking with the porous PEEK implant surface.
3. Porous PEEK was associated with improved osteogenic differentiation in vitro and greater implant fixation in vivo compared to smooth PEEK and titanium-coated PEEK. Study authors concluded not all PEEK implants inherently generate a fibrous response, and surface topography is crucial in determining implant osseointegration.