Published in:
Open Access
06-09-2021 | Original Article
Fracture fixation in extremity trauma with carbon fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone (CFR-PEEK) plates: evidence today
Authors:
George D. Chloros, Apostolos D. Prodromidis, Jo Wilson, Peter V. Giannoudis
Published in:
European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery
|
Issue 3/2022
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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.