PEEK Anchor

What is an anchoring suture?

Suture anchors are broadly used for attaching soft tissue (e.g., tendons, ligaments, and meniscus) to the bone and have become essential devices in sports medicine and during arthroscopic surgery. As the usage of suture anchors has increased, various material-specific advantages and challenges have been reported. As a result, suture anchors are continually changing to become safer and more efficient. In this ever-changing environment, it is clinically essential for the surgeon to understand the key characteristics of existing anchors sufficiently.

The use of suture anchors has revolutionized orthopedic surgery because it allows for simple and efficient fixation of soft tissue (e.g., tendons and ligaments) to the bone in both open and arthroscopic surgery around the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and lower limb joints.) Shoulder surgery particularly has experienced a significant change in the type of techniques used from open repair of the rotator cuff and labrum using screws, washers, transosseous sutures, and staples to arthroscopic repair using suture anchors.

The primary function of the suture anchor is to attach tissue at the proper site and maintain its position without loosening or excessive tension until physiologic healing is accomplished. An ideal suture anchor is easy to handle, maintains enough pull-out strength, prevents suture abrasion, and is absorbable without resulting in any reactions as the material dissolves.) Various types of anchors have been developed, and designs of anchors have evolved over the recent decade to maximize their effectiveness in creating a firm tendon-to-bone repair.

Polyetheretherketone

Because some biodegradable anchors can be absorbed too quickly, the development of biostable anchors was pursued. Such a biostable anchor—a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) polymer—is obtained by dialkylation of bisphenol salts )

PEEK is increasingly becoming used in tribological components because of its excellent performance. PEEK materials showed high strength, strong mechanical properties, good wear- and heat-resistance, and excellent chemical and biological resistance. Therefore, it has many other applications in engineering and medicine.) PEEK also offers advantages, such as good postoperative imaging and stable fixation, and no complications associated with polymer degradation. Importantly, the major problem with PEEK has been shown to be poor osseointegration. Overall, however, the development of PEEK anchor has led to the adoption of biocomposite materials that may support osteoconductive ingrowth.)

BIOCOMPOSITE SUTURE ANCHOR

Biocomposite suture anchors are composed of both a biodegradable polymer material and a bone formation-promoting bioceramic material. The most commonly used bioceramic is beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP); others include hydroxyapatite, calcium sulfate, and calcium carbonate.) TCP is widely used in orthopedic surgery to fill bone defects because (1) it has a mineral content similar to that of human bone, (2) its macro-porosity and micro-porosity is osteoconductive, and (3) it has excellent biocompatibility and mechanical resistance. Unlike β-TCP, hydroxyapatite is a natural mineral substance with an affinity to bones and is highly biocompatible since it is similar to a mineral component of teeth and bones of mammals.) Generally, hydroxyapatite-based bone substitute materials are considered nonabsorbable or have much lower degradation rates than β-TCP (Fig. 3))

ALL-SOFT SUTURE ANCHOR

Solid type suture anchors (e.g., metal and polymer) have been studied extensively and found to be sufficient for maintaining physiologic loads at soft tissue to bone junctions. Usually, these solid type anchors need surgical preparation of the bony footprint site (decortication, punching, or drilling) that may cause bone loss because of the grounding piece's volume.)

All-soft suture anchors (ASAs) were developed to minimize complications and invasiveness related to the use of solid type anchors. These ASAs consist of one or more ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)-containing sutures.

The ASAs typically consist of a sleeve or tape made of suture material through which the UHMWPE-containing suture is woven. This fixation mechanism differs compared with screw-type suture anchors. When the ASA is inserted into the bone and the primary suture is pulled, the sleeve or tape is cinched up to compress against the overlying cortical bone creating a “ball” that works as the anchor. It allows the suture anchor to be placed in a tunnel with a smaller diameter (1–3 mm), thereby preserving bone and hypothetically allowing for more bone preservation, which may be particularly beneficial due to limited bone stock at the glenoid rim or acetabulum. Also, even if an anchor failure occurs, joint damage may be minimized because of the soft anchor body.)

The Ultimate Guide to PEEK Anchors: Properties, Applications, and Advantages

If you're looking for a material that can provide superior strength, toughness, and chemical resistance, PEEK (polyetheretherketone) is the perfect choice. PEEK is a high-performance polymer that has become popular in many industries due to its outstanding mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and thermal stability. In this article, we'll discuss PEEK anchors, their properties, applications, and advantages.

What are PEEK Anchors?

PEEK anchors are fasteners made of PEEK material that are designed to provide strong and reliable anchoring in various applications. They are commonly used in the medical, aerospace, automotive, and oil and gas industries, among others. PEEK anchors are known for their ability to withstand high loads, temperature changes, and harsh environments.

Properties of PEEK Anchors

PEEK anchors have many properties that make them superior to other materials. Some of the most notable properties of PEEK anchors include:

High Strength and Toughness

PEEK anchors have a high tensile strength and toughness, making them ideal for applications that require strong and reliable anchoring. They can withstand high loads and impact without breaking or deforming.

Chemical Resistance

PEEK anchors are highly resistant to many chemicals, including acids, bases, and organic solvents. This makes them ideal for applications where exposure to harsh chemicals is expected.

Thermal Stability

PEEK anchors have excellent thermal stability, withstanding high temperatures up to 300°C without melting or degrading. They are also resistant to cold temperatures, making them ideal for use in cryogenic applications.

Biocompatibility

PEEK anchors are biocompatible, making them safe for use in medical and dental applications. They are also non-toxic and non-carcinogenic, making them an environmentally friendly option.

Applications of PEEK Anchors

PEEK anchors have a wide range of applications, including:

Medical and Dental Applications

PEEK anchors are commonly used in medical and dental applications, such as orthopedic implants, dental implants, and spinal implants. Their biocompatibility and resistance to corrosion and wear make them ideal for use in the human body.

Aerospace Applications

PEEK anchors are used in the aerospace industry due to their high strength and resistance to temperature changes and chemicals. They are commonly used in aircraft engines, avionics, and structural components.

Automotive Applications

PEEK anchors are used in the automotive industry due to their resistance to wear, temperature changes, and chemicals. They are commonly used in engines, transmissions, and fuel systems.

Oil and Gas Applications

PEEK anchors are used in the oil and gas industry due to their resistance to high pressure, temperature changes, and chemicals. They are commonly used in downhole tools, valves, and pumps.

Advantages of PEEK Anchors

PEEK anchors offer many advantages over other materials, including:

Lightweight

PEEK anchors are lightweight compared to other metals, making them ideal for applications where weight is a concern.

High Strength-to-Weight Ratio

PEEK anchors have a high strength-to-weight ratio, making them ideal for applications where high strength is required but weight must be kept to a minimum.

Corrosion Resistance

PEEK anchors are highly resistant to corrosion, making them ideal for use in harsh environments.

Wear Resistance

PEEK anchors are highly resistant to wear, making them ideal for use in applications where abrasion is a concern.

Easy to Machine

PEEK anchors are easy to machine, making them a cost-effective option for many applications.

Conclusion

PEEK anchors are a versatile and high-performance fastener option for a wide range of applications. With their exceptional properties, applications, and advantages, they are becoming increasingly popular in many industries. From medical and dental implants to aerospace and automotive components, PEEK anchors provide reliable and strong anchoring with superior properties that make them stand out from other materials.

FAQs

1. What is PEEK?

PEEK stands for polyetheretherketone, which is a high-performance polymer known for its excellent mechanical properties, thermal stability, and biocompatibility.

1. What are PEEK anchors used for?

PEEK anchors are used for reliable and strong anchoring in various applications, such as medical implants, aerospace components, automotive parts, and oil and gas equipment.

1. What are the advantages of PEEK anchors?

PEEK anchors offer advantages such as high strength and toughness, chemical and thermal resistance, biocompatibility, lightweight, high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and easy machinability.

1. What are the applications of PEEK anchors?

PEEK anchors have applications in medical and dental implants, aerospace components, automotive parts, and oil and gas equipment.

1. Are PEEK anchors environmentally friendly?

Yes, PEEK anchors are environmentally friendly as they are non-toxic and non-carcinogenic, making them a safe and sustainable option for various applications.