[Fixed angle carbon fiber reinforced polymer composite plate for treatment of distal radius fractures : Pilot study on clinical applications].
BACKGROUND
The clinical implementation of a new carbon-fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketon (PEEK) plate for distal radius fractures might offer advantageous properties over the conventional metallic devices. This includes similar elastic modulus to cortical bone, radiolucency, low artifacts on MRI scans and the lack of metal allergies.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical results at 6-week and 12-month follow-up using either a new fixed angle (monoaxial) PEEK plate system or a fixed angle (polyaxial) titanium plate.


METHODS
We included 26 patients (mean age 59.3) with displaced fractures of the distal radius (all AO types). Radiological and functional outcomes were measured prospectively at a 6-week and 12 month follow-up.


RESULTS
We documented no cases of hardware breakage or significant loss of the surgically achieved fracture reduction with the usage oft the new PEEK device. Operating time was 101.0 min using PEEK versus 109.3 min in titanium plates, recorded times were including preparation, draping, and postoperative processing (ns, p 0.156). At the 6-week follow up the PEEK plate showed a trend for better range of motion and functional results (DASH-score, Mayo-wrist score, VAS) with no statistical significance. Results of 12 month follow up with PEEK showed comparable results with corresponding studies examining titanium plate after this period.


CONCLUSIONS
First experience with PEEK plate osteosynthesis demonstrate quick clinical implementation with good clinical outcome and the advantage of excellent postoperative radiological assessment. At early follow-up PEEK even showed a trend for improved functional results.
Klinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, UNIVERSITÄTSKLINIKUM Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Haus 18, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105, Kiel, Deutschland. peter.behrendt@uksh.de.
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Behrendt
Klinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, UNIVERSITÄTSKLINIKUM Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Haus 18, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105, Kiel, Deutschland.
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Kruse
Klinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, UNIVERSITÄTSKLINIKUM Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Haus 18, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105, Kiel, Deutschland.
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Klüter
Klinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, UNIVERSITÄTSKLINIKUM Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Haus 18, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105, Kiel, Deutschland.
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Fitschen-Oestern
Klinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, UNIVERSITÄTSKLINIKUM Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Haus 18, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105, Kiel, Deutschland.
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Weuster
Klinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, UNIVERSITÄTSKLINIKUM Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Haus 18, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105, Kiel, Deutschland.
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Menzdorf
Klinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, UNIVERSITÄTSKLINIKUM Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Haus 18, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105, Kiel, Deutschland.
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Finn
Klinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, UNIVERSITÄTSKLINIKUM Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Haus 18, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105, Kiel, Deutschland.
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Varoga
Klinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, UNIVERSITÄTSKLINIKUM Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Haus 18, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105, Kiel, Deutschland.
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Seekamp
Klinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, UNIVERSITÄTSKLINIKUM Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Haus 18, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105, Kiel, Deutschland.
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Müller
Klinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, UNIVERSITÄTSKLINIKUM Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Haus 18, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105, Kiel, Deutschland.
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Lippross
D001577:Benzophenones; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D001860:Bone Plates; D002244:Carbon / Q000737:chemistry*; D000077482:Carbon Fiber; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006801:Humans; D007659:Ketones / Q000737:chemistry*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000737:chemistry*; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function; D013718:Tensile Strength; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014954:Wrist Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*
D001577:Benzophenones; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D000077482:Carbon Fiber; D007659:Ketones; D011108:Polymers; C063834:polyetheretherketone; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D002244:Carbon
Carbon-fiber reinforced; Distal radius fracture; Operative treatment; PEEK; Plate osteosynthesis; Radiolucency