Multimodal imaging of composite carbon fiber-based implants for orthopedic spinal fixation

Carbon-fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone orthopedic implants in musculoskeletal and spinal tumors: imaging and clinical features

Carbon-fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone (CFR-PEEK) orthopedic implants are gaining popularity in oncologic applications as they offer many potential advantages over traditional metallic implants. From an imaging perspective, this instrumentation allows for improved evaluation of adjacent anatomic structures during radiography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This results in improved postoperative surveillance imaging quality as well as easier visualization of anatomy for potential image-guided percutaneous interventions (e.g., pain palliation injections, or ablative procedures for local disease control). CFR-PEEK devices are also advantageous in radiation oncology treatment due to their decreased imaging artifact during treatment planning imaging and decreased dose perturbation during radiotherapy delivery. As manufacturing processes for CFR-PEEK materials continue to evolve and improve, potential orthopedic applications in the spine and appendicular skeleton increase. An understanding of the unique properties of CFR-PEEK devices and their impact on imaging is valuable to radiologists delivering care to orthopedic oncology patients in both the diagnostic and interventional settings. This multidisciplinary review aims to provide a comprehensive insight into the radiologic, surgical, and radiation oncology impact of these innovative devices.

Applications of Carbon Fiber Instrumentation in Spinal Oncology: Recent Innovations in Spinal Instrumentation and 2-Dimensional Illustrative Operative Video

BACKGROUND

The management of spinal oncology necessitates a multimodal approach, with surgical intervention, radiation-based therapy, and postoperative advanced imaging. These systems must work well together to provide optimal patient outcomes. Traditional metallic spinal implants produce image artifacts and lead to radiation dose attenuation, which inhibit both disease monitoring and disease treatment, respectively.

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the feasibility of an improved biomaterial implant that provides structural stability, while also allowing for disease monitoring and treatment in spinal oncology patients.

METHODS

From February 2021 to September 2021, 3 patients with spinal oncologic deformity requiring resection and posterior spinal stabilization underwent fixation with polyether ether ketone-carbon fiber implants at a single academic institution.

RESULTS

Patient ages ranged from 23 to 74 years (mean: 44.7 years). All patients underwent posterior spinal fixation using standard approaches. They each received polyether ether ketone-carbon fiber pedicle screw and rod implants, placed in standard fashion. There were no dural tears, postoperative wound infections, or other complications related to their treatment. Postoperative surveillance revealed gross total resection of the targeted tumor on postoperative radiographic imaging.

CONCLUSION

Polyether ether ketone-carbon fiber implants are a safe and effective option for the treatment of thoracolumbar posterior spinal pathology. The utilization of this novel type of instrumentation in posterior spinal approaches may provide benefit to patients with spinal tumors over existing forms of posterior spinal instrumentation.

The Use of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Instrumentation in Patients with Spinal Oncologic Tumors: A Systematic Review of Literature and Future Directions

INTRODUCTION

Metastatic spine tumors affect over 30% of patients who have been diagnosed with cancer. While techniques in surgical intervention have undoubtedly evolved, there are some pitfalls when spinal instrumentation is required for stabilization following tumor resection. However, the use of carbon fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone (CFR-PEEK) implants has become increasingly popular due to improved radiolucency and positive osteobiologic properties. Here, we present a systematic review describing the use of CFR-PEEK-coated instrumentation in the oncologic population while identifying advantages and potential shortcomings of these devices.

METHODS

In accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, a systematic review was conducted in March 2022 to identify articles detailing the use of CFR-PEEK implants for spinal instrumentation in patients with primary and secondary spine tumors. The search was performed using the PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases.

RESULTS

An initial search returned a total of 85 articles among the three databases used. After the exclusion of duplicates and screening of abstracts, 21 full-text articles were examined for eligibility. Eleven articles were excluded due to not fitting our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Ten articles were subsequently eligible for full-text review.

CONCLUSIONS

CFR-PEEK possesses a similar safety and efficacy profile to titanium implants but has distinct advantages. It limits artifact, increases early detection of local tumor recurrence, increases radiotherapy dose accuracy, and is associated with low complication rates (9.96%)-making it a promising alternative for the demands unique to the treatment/outcome of spinal oncologic patients.

Radiographic imaging of carbon fiber implants in the appendicular skeleton in orthopedic oncology

Carbon fiber/poly-ether-ether-ketone implants are increasingly being used in orthopedic oncology. An understanding of how to evaluate the normal appearance of these implants is critical for detecting any failures or complications that may arise. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide primarily a radiographic review of the normal radiographic appearance of carbon fiber-reinforced poly-ether-ether-ketone implants in the appendicular skeleton with some cross-sectional imaging discussion. We additionally aim to highlight some of the unique clinical benefits compared to metal implants, review the unique appearance of failures of these implants, and propose a standardized radiologic method for their evaluation. Our review is based on a retrospective case review of 31 patients with carbon fiber-reinforced poly-ether-ether-ketone implants placed in a single center orthopedic oncology practice from 2017 to 2021.

Hypersensitivity Reaction to Carbon Fiber-Polyetheretherketone Composite Spinal Implant: A Case Report

CASE

A 52-year-old woman presented with localized hypersensitivity symptoms immediately after insertion of a carbon fiber-polyetheretherketone (CF-PEEK) vertebral fusion device. After a modified cutaneous patch test confirmed an allergic reaction to the implant, the device was surgically removed. The patient's symptoms were largely resolved 1 month after the removal of the device.

CONCLUSION

CF-PEEK is a commonly used biomaterial in surgical implants. As far as we know, this is the first reported case of a hypersensitivity reaction to CF-PEEK.