Polymer Solutions for Orthopedic and Sport medicine
The Forécreu Polymer Division specializes in the manufacture of polymer implants using injection-molding. From the selection of implantable polymers through to the manufacture of your implants via mold design, Forécreu will help you with the production of ligament screws, anchors, cages and centering tools for hip prostheses.
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.
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.
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.
PMMA
Poly(methyl methacrylate) is mainly used to manufacture centering tools or spacers for cemented hip prostheses.