Polymer solutions
for Orthopedic and Sport medicine

Resorbable materials

The term «bio-resorbable polymers» covers several groups of polymers, including polyactides and
polyglycolides which are the most commonly used in surgery. Under normal physiological conditions,
these polymers hydrolyze into non-toxic biodegradable products (lactic acid and/or glycolic acid) which
are easily metabolized and removed by the human body in the form of CO2 and H2O.

Physiological compatibility – All of these polymers are easily tolerated and are non-toxic. Numerous
tests and clinical trials have shown this using polyesters made from lactic acid and glycolic acid.

ßTCP compound – Beta tricalcium phosphate (βTCP) compounds are osteo-conductor materials
which encourage the formation of bone tissue when they come into contact with the bone.

Natural PEEK/carbon-fiber-reinforced (CFR) PEEK

PEEK is an aromatic semi-crystalline polymer which is bio-compatible and designed for permanent implantation. It can be reinforced with carbon fiber to improve its mechanical strength. Its main advantages are:

• Excellent mechanical performance.
• Highly resistant to wear.
• Can be repeatedly sterilized using all current techniques without affecting performance.
• Full or partial radio-transparency.
• Bio-compatible.
• Elastic module similar to that of bone.

PMMA

Poly(methyl methacrylate) is mainly used to manufacture centering tools or spacers for cemented hip
prostheses.