Safety and Reliability of Carbon-Peek Plate for the Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

IntroductionDistal radius fractures are one of the most common injuries. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) are the most diffused between surgical treatments. Carbon-fiber reinforced (CFR) polyetheretherketone (PEEK) plates have been proposed to prevent effects linked to stainless steel or titanium alloy traditional plates, such as radio-opacity, mismatch of bone-plate elasticity modulus, corrosion, limited fatigue life, osseointegration. ObjectiveThis review aims to evaluate the actual safety and reliability of CFR-PEEK plates to treat distal radius fractures. MethodsElectronic databases PubMed, Google Scholars, and Cochrane Library were searched in December 2020. Eligible studies were published in peer-reviewed journals. Three authors independently selected relevant articles and discussed those. Searching identified 13 titles and abstracts, 11 manuscripts were considered eligible for the full-text analysis. Of these 11 papers, 7 studies were included in our review. Results215 patients were analyzed in this systematic review. The mean age of enrolled patients was 52,8 years. 34% were males and 66% were females. Fractures were classified according to AO/ASIF classification system. We reported 12 cases of complications specific to this device, such as intraoperative plate and screws rupture, erosive flexor tendons synovitis, and loosening. ConclusionCFR-PEEK distal radius plates are potentially an alternative to traditional ones. But we believe that the use of this device does not entail a significant advantage in the treatment of distal radius fractures, as safe and low-cost traditional devices are available. Further comparative studies are needed to demonstrate the superiority of carbon devices.

Carbon-fibre plates for traumatic and (impending) pathological fracture fixation: Where do we stand? A systematic review

“…Three systematic reviews have previously evaluated CF plates for trauma fracture fixation. Firstly, Saracco et al included seven studies on distal radius fractures, and reported CF as a potential alternative to conventional metal plates [ 12 ]. Secondly, Theivendran et al evaluated CF fixation in a broader population with small improvements in functional recovery of CF plates after humerus fractures, while there was insufficient evidence to support its widespread use [ 13 ].…”

Plate Osteosynthesis

“…Robust clinical studies and evidence are warranted for comprehensive knowledge regarding safety, complication, and long-term outcome of these implants. [32] 3D Printed Plates 3D printing or rapid prototyping or additive manufacturing, has revolutionized many sectors and the bespoke implant manufacturing is an emerging arena. 3D printers convert images into physical models on 3D digital imaging and communication in medicine format data abstracted from CT or MRI through additive manufacturing.…”

Strategies to improve bioactive and antibacterial properties of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) for use as orthopedic implants

“…At present, PEEK implants are increasingly used as spinal cages [ 4 ], skull or maxillofacial defect repair implants [ 5 , 6 ], dental implants [ 7 ], joint replacements [ 8 ], fixation devices [ 9 ], and so on. PEEK cages are widely used in spinal fusion due to their radiolucency and low elastic modulus [ [10] , [11] , [12] ].…”

“…These metal devices suffer from radiation opacity, elastic modulus mismatch, corrosion, limited fatigue life, susceptibility to cold welding of plates and screws, and osseointegration [ 35 , 36 ]. Because CFR-PEEK can improve these shortcomings [ 37 ], some researchers apply CFR-PEEK to fracture repair [ 9 , 38 ]. However, a comparative study pointed out that the disadvantage of CFR-PEEK relative to metal plates is the low tolerance for plastic deformation and the risk of fracture [ 37 ].…”