On December 23, 2024, a team led by Dr. Zhou Jianyun from the Department of Neurosurgery at the China Rehabilitation Research Center (Beijing Bo'ai Hospital) successfully performed the world's first cranioplasty using PEEK (Polyetheretherketone) screws. This marks a significant breakthrough in cranioplasty technology and the first-ever use of a full series of PEEK materials (PEEK bone plates, PEEK link plates, and PEEK screws) in cranioplasty surgery, setting a new technological benchmark globally.
Advantages of PEEK Material in the Medical Field
Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is an exceptional high-performance biomaterial with excellent tissue compatibility, imaging compatibility, and mechanical properties. Compared to traditional metal implants, PEEK’s elastic modulus is closer to that of human bone, which helps reduce the stress shielding effect and promotes bone tissue growth and healing. As a result, PEEK has been widely used in orthopedics, spine surgery, cardiovascular surgery, and other medical fields, becoming a vital component in modern medical technology.
However, the use of PEEK screws in cranioplasty has long been a "pain point" in the industry. The PEEK screws used in this surgery, developed by Xi’an Kangtuo Company, fill this gap and have received significant attention from the international medical community.
Breakthroughs in Domestic High-End Biomaterials
PEEK material has been introduced into the Chinese market for nearly 20 years, but domestic medical-grade PEEK material still relies on imports. With high technical barriers and complex production processes, China has long been passive in the high-end biomaterials market. Additionally, materials like polyurethane, medical-grade PEEK, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), and others are still imported, which severely restricts the development and production capacity of high-end medical devices in China.
However, with continuous technological advancements, the introduction of PEEK screws by Xi’an Kangtuo Company represents a major step forward in the domestic research, development, and production of high-end biomaterials in the medical field. This indicates significant progress in the production and application of PEEK and other high-end biomaterials in China, reducing reliance on imports.
Wide Application of PEEK in Other Medical Fields
In addition to its groundbreaking application in cranioplasty, PEEK is also widely used in spine implants, artificial joints, and dental restorations. Its biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and high-temperature resistance make it an ideal material for medical implants. PEEK not only aids patients in achieving better recovery outcomes but also provides new directions for the global medical device industry.
The Future of Domestic Biomaterials in China
With the successful application of PEEK screws, China’s capacity for independent research and development of high-end biomaterials is steadily increasing. However, despite China’s dominance in the mid- to low-end biomaterials market, challenges remain in the high-end market. The global biomaterials market is expected to grow from $105.18 billion in 2019 to $206.64 billion in 2024, with increasing demand for high-end materials like medical PEEK and UHMWPE.
As domestic enterprises continue to make technological breakthroughs, China is expected to gradually overcome the technical barriers of high-end biomaterials and foster rapid development in the medical device industry.
Conclusion
Advances in medical technology rely heavily on the support of advanced materials, and the successful application of PEEK in cranioplasty surgery demonstrates its vast potential. Looking forward, we anticipate continued innovation in the production and application of PEEK and other high-end biomaterials in China, narrowing the gap with international standards.
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