HySpine

Within this project, a composite implant is developed and crucial research questions are answered. At the end of the project, the process of certification can further be approached.

Pedicle screw systems are used to stabilize the spine and to correct its alignment. Nowadays, titanium is the standard material used for these medical implants. However, several disadvantages are linked to metallic implants. Exemplarily, artefacts can appear on medical images (CT, MRI, X-ray). Furthermore, metallic implants can lead to backscattering during radiotherapy and the bone can degenerate due to the high implant stiffness (stress shielding). With the usage of carbon fiber reinforced polyether ether ketone (CF-PEEK) as  implant material, these and other disadvantages can be eliminated. Patient’s comfort is increased and postoperative follow-up is improved. To characterize the material properties, which are relevant for example for the process of manufacturing, extensive analytical and mechanical studies have been performed. Besides, numerical analysis (finite element simulations) and experimental investigations of the pedicle screw and the pedicle screw system were conducted.