Advancing the Science of Fusion

For over 15 years, the high-performance implant-grade polymer PEEK-OPTIMA Natural has been utilized in spinal fusion applications, predominantly in the form of load-bearing interbody fusion devices. Since its’ introduction it has earned the confidence and gained the acceptance of the global medical community. The properties that make PEEK-OPTIMA Natural polymer one of the leading interbody fusion biomaterials also makes it promising for use in other spinal devices such as:

• Spinal rods in pedicle screw systems,
• Spinal arthroplasty discs
• Anterior column plates

These inherent material characteristics include:

• Modulus similar to bone – less stiff compared to bone making it a good fit for applications where load sharing is desired to promote bone remodeling
• Reduced stress shielding – helps to reduce the loss of bone mass as normal stress is removed from the bone by an implant
• Artifact-free imaging – radiolucent in X-rays, CT and MRI scans, making it a good option when unobstructed views are required to assess healing or disease progression

The innovative polymer is the latest development in high performance materials for interbody fusion devices. Hydroxyapatite (HA), a well-known osteoconductive material that enhances bone apposition is fully integrated, not coated, into the PEEK-OPTIMA matrix making it available on all surfaces of a finished device

Early clinical results from a multi-patient cervical and lumbar fusion case series has indicated potential benefits with PEEK-OPTIMA HA Enhanced devices including:

• Solid fusions as early as 6 months
• Dense bone apposition at the bone implant interface
• Improvements in overall pain and neurological function
• Positive clinical outcomes at early time points