Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and its 3D printed implants applications in medical field: An overview

Abstract

BackgroundExtensively studied research articles on Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) in “medical” and “PEEK 3D printing in the medical field” to identify a direction of the development and identify critical applications in medicine. Materials and methodsThis is a literature-based study of research articles listed in Scopus. A literature review & bibliometric analysis is done to achieve the research objective. ResultsSearching keywords as "PEEK" "medical" through Scopus identified 426 research articles and searching “PEEK” “medical” “3D printing” identified ten articles. This study identifies that PEEK is a suitable material that helps innovation and helps to solve different surgical and medical problems. Analysis of the Scopus data depicts an increasing trend in the medical field, especially the application of this material. Much research is done on PEEK in medical, but there is very less work reported on PEEK 3D printing in medical. 3D PEEK implants are preferred in medical for requirements of extensive customisation. This technology caters well to the manufacturing of prosthetics, artificial bone, heart & its parts and other human parts. Finally, twelve important applications areas are identified in medical. ConclusionPEEK has somewhat bone like properties. This material can be well used in 3D printing technologies to help fulfil various challenges of the medical. In medical, PEEK materials foresee different surgical application as it can replace titanium and ceramic implants. The need is to explore the use of PEEK in different surgeries of orthopaedic, spine, maxilla-facial, cranial and others 3D printing manufactures complex design implants as per requirement of a patient with an exact match. This material is also applicable for cardiac surgery like manufacturing of heart valve prostheses and leaflet heart valves. PEEK material is hard, lightweight, stiff and is a robust polymer while having satisfactory wear properties that help implants with an extended life. In dentistry, PEEK implants have also the potential for use in tooth replacement. It seems somewhat cost-effective to fulfil innovative medical requirements with comparable wear and mechanical strength.