Micro‐CT Analysis of Implanted Poly‐Ether‐Ether‐Ketone Scaffolds: Plasma Immersion Ion Implantation Increases Osteoconduction

Poly‐ether‐ether‐ketone (PEEK) is a biocompatible, high‐strength polymer with biomechanical properties similar to soft bone that has been proposed as an alternative titanium for orthopedic implants. Herein, micro‐CT imaging of 3D printed PEEK scaffold treated plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) assess the degree osteoconduction relative identical untreated structure, by in scapula sheep, performed. To overcome lack contrast between tissue and PEEK, customized apparatus alignment technique designed constructed. Principal component analysis used accurately locate boundaries implant dataset, respect reference coordinates. It found that, within interior volume scaffold, PIII contains both more dense higher amounts than PEEK. The shows immediately outside indicating lower affinity in‐diffusion osteocytes associated mineralization. greater attributed improvement hydrophilicity provision protein covalent binding.