Principal Investigators: Kurtz, Steven
University: Drexel University
Industry partners: Maxx Orthopedics
Total knee replacement (TKR), an extremely common procedure in the US, fails at an estimated rate of 10% due to issues like loosening, metal allergy, or infection. Revision surgery is complex and costly, often requiring repair of bone defects using 3D printed (3DP) metal cones. As an alternative to metal for these revision cones, Maxx Orthopedics and Drexel University are collaborating to explore the viability of using 3DP polyaryletheretherketones (PAEKs). PAEKs are high-performance, biocompatible polymers widely utilized in automotive, aerospace, and spinal implant applications since the 1990s. They are known for reducing costs and weight without compromising strength, and are currently being developed for knee implant bearing surfaces. However, the regulatory hurdles for bearing surfaces are loftier than for the proposed cones, which fulfill a static structural role like existing PAEK spinal implants. This project will offer crucial proof-of-concept for 3DP structural PAEK knee implant components for a Pennsylvania (PA) orthopedic manufacturer.