Fracture fixation in extremity trauma with carbon fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone (CFR-PEEK) plates: evidence today.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To compare the CFR-PEEK plates with conventional plates in fracture fixation with regards to clinical and radiological outcomes and complications.

METHODS:

A systematic literature search was conducted in four online databases independently by two reviewers using the Cochrane methodology for systematic reviews. The identified relevant studies were assessed against predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Independent data extraction and assessment of risk of bias and study quality was carried out.

RESULTS:

Nine studies (patient n = 361) out of 6594 records were included for analysis: 2 RCTs (n = 63), 3 prospective cohort studies (n = 151), and 4 retrospective cohort studies (n = 147). Studies were grouped per anatomic area of fixation. Four studies (n = 200) examined fixation of proximal humerus fractures. Two studies (n = 74) examined fixation of distal radius fractures. Two studies (n = 53) assessed outcomes of fixation of distal femur fractures. One study (n = 87) assessed the outcomes of fixation of ankle fractures. All nine studies reported very high union rates (from 91% in distal femur to 100% in upper limb) for the CFR-PEEK plate groups and low complication rates. There was no significant difference in clinical outcomes, and rate of complications as compared to the conventional plate groups.

CONCLUSION:

CFR-PEEK plates have high union rates in extremity fracture fixation similar to conventional plates with comparable good clinical outcomes and a very low and comparable rate of complications. Considering their advantages, CFR-PEEK plates seem to be valid alternative to conventional plating.

• Authors: George D Chloros, Apostolos D Prodromidis, Jo Wilson, Peter V Giannoudis
• Journal: European journal of trauma and emergency surgery : official publication of the European Trauma Society (Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg) Vol. 48 Issue 3 Pg. 2387-2406 (Jun 2022) ISSN: 1863-9941 [Electronic] Germany
• PMID: 34487201 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2021. The Author(s).

Chemical References

• Benzophenones
• Carbon Fiber
• Ketones
• Polymers
• polyetheretherketone
• Polyethylene Glycols

Topics

• Benzophenones
• Bone Plates
• Carbon Fiber
• Extremities
• Fracture Fixation, Internal (methods)
• Humans
• Ketones
• Polyethylene Glycols
• Polymers
• Prospective Studies
• Retrospective Studies
• Systematic Reviews as Topic
• Treatment Outcome