Effects of Surface Modification on the Osseointegration Properties of Polyetheretherketone

Abstract

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a thermoplastic polymer with many clinical orthopedic applications. With an elastic modulus similar to bone, PEEK is a preferred implant model due to specific mechanical properties. The limitations of PEEK arise from its poor osseointegration which in a clinical setting may cause implant slippage or dislodgement. Recent methods to improve the osseointegration of PEEK have involved surface modification, including the change of surface structure as well as surface chemistry. The purpose of this study is to characterize various surface structures of PEEK so that their effectiveness at implantation may be evaluated. Surface porous, soda blasted, and smooth injected molded PEEK as well as titanium oxide coated PEEK were evaluated for surface roughness using LEXT imaging. These roughness values will then later be compared with implant integration for each sample. Based on the optimized surface structure of PEEK, future studies will begin to characterize the optimal surface coating or surface chemistry for PEEK implants so that the inert properties of PEEK may be overcome in the clinical setting by surface modification.