A polyaryletherketone polymer replaces acetal, titanium, and other traditional materials

. A polymer material provides an elasticity resembling that of cortical bone, promoting bone stimulus and fusion. PEEK-Optima, a polyaryletherketone polymer manufactured by Invibio Ltd. (United Kingdom; +44 1253 866812), merges biocompatibility with chemical and hydrolytic resistance and strength. The material is flexible; it can be extruded, molded, and machined. It is available in three grades that can be custom-designed for specific applications. Such applications include bone screws and pins, hip implants, cardiopulmonary devices, and spine cages. PEEK-Optima has been used in synthetic finger joints as well as in lumbar spinal fusion cages.