An October study in The Spine Journal compared the in vivo characteristics of RTI Surgical's 3D-printed PEKK Tetrafuse 3D Technology with PEEK and titanium-coated PEEK.
Three insights:
1. Eight ovine specimens were implanted with each biomaterial and analyzed for their osseointegrative abilities.
2. The study determined Tetrafuse had preferable bone growth properties to PEEK and titanium-coated PEEK without sacrificing structural integrity.
3. Tetrafuse features a nano-rough surface with antibacterial properties, which is designed to enhance fusion without effecting structural integrity or radiographic visibility.