This product is manufactured from medical-grade polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and is specifically designed for sports medicine and arthroscopic procedures. It is primarily indicated for the secure fixation of tendon grafts (autografts or allografts) within bone tunnels during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction surgeries of the knee joint.
This represents the core value proposition of the product, distinguishing it from conventional metal screws:
Excellent Biocompatibility:
PEEK is an inert polymeric material that is non-toxic, non-sensitizing, and non-genotoxic. It does not release metal ions in vivo, thereby eliminating the risk of metal allergic reactions.
Elastic Modulus Closely Matching Cortical Bone:
The elastic modulus of PEEK (approximately 3–4 GPa) is highly comparable to that of human cortical bone. This property effectively mitigates the "stress shielding" effect, promotes biological remodeling at the tendon–bone healing interface, and reduces postoperative bone resorption resulting from uneven stress distribution.
X-ray Radiolucency (Critical Clinical Advantage):
As previously discussed, PEEK is completely radiolucent to X-rays. This allows for virtually artifact-free CT or MRI imaging during postoperative follow-up, enabling clinicians to clearly assess bone tunnel enlargement, graft healing status, and the presence of cyst formation. In contrast, conventional metal screws generate significant metallic artifacts that render interpretation difficult or impossible.
High Strength and Toughness:
The material provides sufficient torsional strength and pull-out resistance, ensuring that the screw does not break during insertion and delivering stable, reliable fixation throughout the early postoperative rehabilitation period.