Introduction
Arthroscopic surgery is a way to treat joint problems using small tools and a camera. It helps doctors fix things like torn ligaments and tendons with less damage to the body. In these surgeries, parts called suture anchors and interference screws are used to hold soft tissue in place as it heals.
In the past, these parts were often made from metal or materials that slowly dissolve in the body (called bioabsorbables). But each of these materials has some downsides. Metal can stay in the body too long and cause problems later. Bioabsorbables may not always hold up as well during healing.
That’s where PEEK and CFR-PEEK come in. PEEK stands for polyetheretherketone, a strong and stable plastic. CFR-PEEK is PEEK that’s been mixed with carbon fibers to make it even stronger. These materials are being used more often in arthroscopy because they work well inside the body and stay strong over time.
Here’s why PEEK and CFR-PEEK are becoming popular for soft tissue repair:
- They’re strong enough to support healing tissue
- They don’t react badly with the body (they’re biocompatible)
- They stay stable over the long term
This article uses information from the PEEK Biomaterials Handbook to explain why these materials are a good fit for advanced joint repair.
The Fixation Challenge in Arthroscopy: Balancing Strength, Biocompatibility, and Post-Operative Needs
Limitations of Traditional Anchor and Screw Materials
In arthroscopic surgery, suture anchors and interference screws are used to help soft tissue heal by keeping it in place. These parts need to be strong, safe, and reliable. But not all materials used in the past have worked well over time.
Metal anchors and screws have been used for many years. They are strong, but they can create problems.
- They may show up poorly on imaging tests like MRIs (this is called an imaging artifact)
- If they are close to cartilage, they may cause damage
- Some metals may release small amounts of metal ions, which can lead to health concerns over time
Bioabsorbable polymers are materials that break down in the body. While this can be helpful in some cases, they come with their own risks.
- They may break down too quickly or too slowly (variable degradation rates)
- Some patients may have an inflammatory response, where the body reacts to the material
- In some cases, they may not be strong enough to support healing in certain joints
Chapter 17 of the PEEK Biomaterials Handbook reviews the history of these materials and the challenges that came with them.
What Surgeons and Patients Need from Today’s Fixation Devices
Surgeons and patients now expect more from arthroscopic repair devices. The right material can make a big difference in how well the tissue heals and how the joint functions over time.
Here’s what matters most:
- Strong and stable attachment of soft tissue
- Little to no reaction with surrounding tissue (biocompatibility)
- Clear visibility on imaging tests like MRI and CT scans
- No long-term harm to the joint or surrounding bone
These needs guide companies like SportSurg Innovations as they look for better materials. PEEK and CFR-PEEK offer new options to meet these goals.
PEEK and CFR-PEEK: Material Advantages Tailored for Arthroscopic Devices
Superior Mechanical Strength and Fatigue Resistance
During arthroscopic surgery, the parts used to hold soft tissue—like suture anchors and interference screws—face a lot of stress. Joints move often and carry weight, which puts pressure on these implants. That’s why strong materials are needed.
PEEK (polyetheretherketone) is a tough plastic with high tensile strength, meaning it can handle being pulled or stretched without breaking. CFR-PEEK, which is PEEK reinforced with carbon fibers, is even stronger. It also has excellent fatigue resistance, so it won’t wear down or crack easily over time.
These qualities are important because the implant must stay in place while the tissue heals. According to the PEEK Biomaterials Handbook, Chapters 1, 3, and 17 show that both PEEK and CFR-PEEK hold up well in the body and provide strong, reliable fixation.
Excellent Biocompatibility and Bio-Inertness
Biocompatibility means a material works well with your body and doesn’t cause harmful reactions. PEEK is known for being bio-inert, which means it doesn’t trigger inflammation or rejection.
Chapter 8 of the PEEK Biomaterials Handbook explains that PEEK has a long history of safe use in medical implants. This makes it a smart choice for patients who need dependable healing without added risk. For companies like SportSurg Innovations, safety is a top priority.
Radiolucency for Clearer Post-Operative Imaging
After surgery, doctors often use MRI or CT scans to check how the joint and soft tissue are healing. Some materials, like metal, can block the view and cause blurry images.
PEEK is radiolucent, which means it doesn’t show up on these scans. That gives doctors a clear look at the joint without interference. Chapters 3 and 15 of the PEEK Biomaterials Handbook describe how this feature helps monitor recovery more accurately.
Long-Term Stability: Non-Absorbable and No Degradation Concerns
Unlike bioabsorbable materials, which break down inside the body, PEEK and CFR-PEEK are non-resorbable. They keep their shape and strength for a long time.
This means there’s no worry about the implant losing support too soon or causing a late reaction from the body. As noted in Chapter 17, PEEK’s long-term stability gives patients and surgeons more confidence in the healing process.
Key benefits of PEEK and CFR-PEEK for arthroscopic repair:
- Strong enough to hold tissue under stress
- Safe for the body with low risk of reaction
- Clear on MRI and CT scans
- Stays solid and stable over time
