Carbon Fiber Implants in Spine Surgery

» Traditional metallic implants used in spinal surgery, such as stainless steel, cobalt chrome, and titanium (Ti), can generate artifacts during magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography, impeding visualization of the adjacent anatomy and impacting clinical decision-making. » Carbon fiber-reinforced polyether ether ketone (CFR-PEEK) spinal instrumentation is now commercially available. The reported benefits include minimal artifact with radiographic imaging while providing similar biomechanical properties when compared with traditional metallic implants. » CFR-PEEK may be beneficial, following spinal separation surgery, by allowing more precise delivery of high-dose therapeutic radiation (stereotactic body radiation therapy) to the remaining tumor margins and avoid overdosing of the spinal cord. » Long-term follow-up is needed to better understand the clinical durability of these newly available implants.