PEEK-Based Orthopedic Composites and Structures for Orthopedic Repair: A Review

Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) materials demonstrate promising applications in bone implants due to their excellent mechanical properties, biocompatibility, modulus comparable to that of cortical bone, and favorable machinability. However, the inherent bioinertness of PEEK materials restricts their widespread clinical application in implants. Over the past decade, researchers have made significant advancements in modifying PEEK materials. This work provides a detailed exploration and comprehensive summary of existing PEEK modification strategies, including porosity techniques to enhance the cell contact area, composite approaches to improve mechanical properties and bioactivity, and lattice sandwich structures to achieve higher specific strength/stiffness and multifunctional design potential. The article aims to establish a theoretical foundation for the development of PEEK-based orthopedic materials and structures that exhibit higher mechanical strength, a modulus that matches that of human bone, and exceptional bioactivity and compatibility, thereby facilitating the broader application of PEEK and its composite structures in the field of bone implants.