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Retrieval analysis of PEEK rods for posterior fusion and motion preservation

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Abstract

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to analyze explanted PEEK rod spinal systems in the context of their clinical indications. We evaluated damage to the implant and histological changes in explanted periprosthetic tissues.

Methods

12 patients implanted with 23 PEEK rods were revised between 2008 and 2012. PEEK rods were of the same design (CD Horizon Legacy, Medtronic, Memphis TN, USA). Retrieved components were assessed for surface damage mechanisms, including plastic deformation, scratching, burnishing, and fracture. Patient history and indications for PEEK rod implantation were obtained from analysis of the medical records.

Results

11/12 PEEK rod systems were employed for fusion at one level, and motion preservation at the adjacent level. Surgical complications in the PEEK cohort included a small dural tear in one case that was immediately repaired. There were no cases of PEEK rod fracture or pedicle screw fracture. Retrieved PEEK rods exhibited scratching, as well as impressions from the set screws and pedicle screw saddles. PEEK debris was observed in two patient tissues, which were located adjacent to PEEK rods with evidence of scratching and burnishing.

Conclusion

This study documents the surface changes and tissue reactions for retrieved PEEK rod stabilization systems. Permanent indentations by the set screws and pedicle screws were the most prevalent observations on the surface of explanted PEEK rods.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Michael Beeman, David Jaekel, Madhuri Penmatsa, Christine Ho, Shannon Murphy, and Stephen Takemoto for their contributions to this study. This research study was supported by NIH R01 AR56264.

Conflict of interest

Institutional support has been received from Medtronic and Invibio for research unrelated to the current study. One of the authors (TL) is a consultant for Medtronic and collaborated on the design of PEEK rod systems.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Drexel University, 3401 Market St, Suite 345, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA

    Steven M. Kurtz, Genymphas Higgs, Daniel W. MacDonald, Eual Phillips & Marla J. Steinbeck

  2. Exponent Inc., 149 Commonwealth Drive, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA

    Steven M. Kurtz

  3. Department of Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Todd H. Lanman

  4. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA

    Sigurd H. Berven

  5. Tulane University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA

    Jorge E. Isaza

Authors
  1. Steven M. Kurtz
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  2. Todd H. Lanman
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  3. Genymphas Higgs
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  4. Daniel W. MacDonald
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  5. Sigurd H. Berven
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  6. Jorge E. Isaza
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  7. Eual Phillips
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  8. Marla J. Steinbeck
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Steven M. Kurtz.

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Kurtz, S.M., Lanman, T.H., Higgs, G. et al. Retrieval analysis of PEEK rods for posterior fusion and motion preservation. Eur Spine J 22, 2752–2759 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-013-2920-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-013-2920-4

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