Study Examines Ti-Bond Coating of PEEK Devices

During a recent industry meeting, Spine surgeon Scott H. Kitchel, M.D., of Eugene, Ore., presented data on Ti-Bond porous titanium coated polyetheretherketone (PEEK) interbody devices made by Spinal Elements, a Carlsbad, Calif.-based spine technology company. The findings were presented

Spinal Element’s Ti-Bond coating consists of random, unconnected titanium pores that are biomechanically adhered through a plasma vacuum spray process to the superior and inferior surfaces of its PEEK-Optima interbody implants. This results in an improved bone-opposing surface while allowing for direct visualization of the fusion mass through the radiolucent PEEK material, according to Kitchel.
during the Spine Technology and Educational Group meeting held June 20-22 in Los Cabos, Mexico.

The data presented was the result of a study performed to compare bone response to the presence of an implant device. Implants manufactured from PEEK were compared to devices made from PEEK and coated with the company’s Ti-Bond coating. The samples were examined at a four-week time point.

The testing showed that the devices coated with Ti-Bond had a shear strength approximately five times that of the PEEK devices. Additionally, histologic review showed that fibrous tissue had formed around the PEEK implant devices while the devices with Ti-Bond coating had bone forming in the porosity of the coating.

Device testing was performed by Professor William Walsh, Ph.D., at the University of New South Wales, Prince of Wales Clinical School in Sydney, Australia. Walsh commented on the testing: “It was very compelling to see the difference between the two specimen groups at such a short time period. The integration of bone into the Ti-Bond coating stands in sharp contrast to the barrier of tissue that formed around the PEEK device.”

Kitchel commented: “The potential clinical benefits of this technology are tremendous. Now we have a device that is participating in the fusion process where we did not previously have that option. The ability to get stable fixation in a spinal fusion earlier in the post-operative healing process may lead to improved long-term patient outcomes. That is something we will continue to monitor as we learn more about this technology.”