This 2007 narrative review synthesizes polymer science and clinical literature on PEEK and related polyaryletherketones (PAEKs) as orthopedic biomaterials. It covers molecular structure, mechanical properties, radiation stability, biocompatibility, bioactive composite development, and clinical applications from spinal cages to femoral stems. The central question: why does PEEK behave the way it does, and where does the clinical evidence actually stand?
This 2007 narrative review synthesizes polymer science and clinical literature on PEEK and related polyaryletherketones (PAEKs) as orthopedic biomaterials. It covers molecular structure, mechanical properties, radiation stability, biocompatibility, bioactive composite development, and clinical applications from spinal cages to femoral stems. The central question: why does PEEK behave the way it does, and where does the clinical evidence actually stand?