Actually, in the case of a new carbon reinforced fiber version that was formally introduced to the market just two weeks ago, the answer is 'Yes". Introduced at NASS by Signus Medical LLC, ECFPEEK may well be the strongest polymer yet developed for spinal implants. In surgeon's hands, this material can begin to challenge titanium's dominance of the metal implant market.

The material is called Endless Carbon Fiber reinforced PEEK Optima (ECF-PEEK). As the name implies, it is PEEK polymer so it has all the advantages of polymer. But the carbon fibers deliver to the implant properties that up until now could only come from titanium.

Signus Medical's CEO Tom Hoghaug said: "ECF-PEEK's ability to meet the mechanical requirements of lumbar fusion applications while being artefact-free on CT and MRI is extremely exciting."

Implants for interbody and translaminar fixation in ECF-PEEK are currently in clinical evaluation in Europe by the manufacturer, Signus Medizintechnik, GmbH. An anterior cervical will be introduced early next year to be followed later in the year by the first radiolucent pedicle screw system.

The material is produced by adding carbon fiber to PEEK-OPTIMA polymer by powder impregnation and the parts are then formed by a process of pultrusion into unidirectional rods.

The devices were made from these carbon reinforced PEEK rods using a unique and novel Composite Flow Moulding process developed in Switzerland. In mechanical strength tests, ECF-PEEK proved to be stronger than either titanium, cobalt chrome or stainless steel!

In addition, all of Signus's ECF-PEEK products deliver better MRI or CT compatibility than traditional metal implants.