The aging of the global population is driving the demand for implantable medical devices. For medical practitioners who are looking for effective alternatives to metal implants on joints and spine, Zeniva® polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is worth a try.

The application of human implantable instruments in orthopaedics, cardiovascular and dentistry is becoming more and more common. Because especially in Asia, high-quality medical services are becoming more and more popular, and in Europe and North America, the aging population has also contributed to this demand. Among the many products Solvay provides to the medical field, the long-term implantable material Zeniva® PEEK can solve many problems.

The traditional material used to make implants is metal, but in many other fields-such as medical equipment and tools, even airplanes, and automobiles, the replacement of metals with high-performance plastics shows many advantages: strength, durability, flexibility, and biological Capacitive and so on. Therefore, implantable devices made with Zeniva® PEEK are also receiving increasing attention from implantation equipment manufacturers and orthopedic surgeons.

What makes implantable polymers so effective?

First of all, Zeniva® PEEK is a biocompatible material with characteristics similar to human bones. For example, it has a similar hardness to human bones (known as "modulus" in professional terms) compared to hard metals. This can help it blend into the body more harmoniously.

In addition, its radiolucent characteristics (ie transparent under X-rays) facilitate the analysis of X-ray and CT scan results. "Compared to metal, it will not be highlighted in the image, so that more details can be read out better," said Jeff Hrivnak, Solvay Specialty Polymers Medical Business Development Manager. "Surgeons value this."

Finally, Zeniva® PEEK can reduce the possible adverse effects of metal implants, such as allergies (especially heavy metal allergies) and ion attack (potentially harmful metal particles released by the implant).

The main application of Zeniva® PEEK is that cylindrical prostheses such as spinal fusion cages can help the spine to restore correct positioning, which is also a major reason for spine surgery.

Screws used to fix joints after trauma are another important application, and artificial knee joints are a major goal in the future: "Ten thousands of knee operations are performed every year," Jeff said.

PEEK application-from car to knee

Solvay entered this market about ten years ago. At that time, PEEK had been widely used in many other fields, such as automotive, aircraft parts and 3D printing. It is also involved in the medical field, but it has experienced a long process to expand its application to implantable medical devices. "Entering the implant market is not easy," Jeff said. "We need to conduct biocompatibility testing and ensure that the materials meet regulatory requirements so that we can provide all the information to the manufacturer to accelerate the certification process."

But in the end, facts speak louder than words: PEEK is considered to be one of the materials recognized in structural applications including orthopedics. For orthopedic applications, strength, durability and biocompatibility are all critical. This is yet another example of the advantages of polymers in a range of medical applications, just like the hemodialysis membranes and drug-protecting blister packaging materials made with them.

In order to make Zeniva® PEEK more suitable for the needs of medical implants, we are working hard to improve its fusion with the bone structure. "By working with many small companies focused on promoting bone fusion technology, we are trying to help bones grow better on implants," Jeff explained. "To further serve humanity, it is essential to always be at the forefront of innovation."

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