| abstract |
Devices such as orthopedic implants are composed of a thermoplastic resin such as polyaryletheretherketone (PEEK), and include a ceramic species, such as a zeolite, to enhance its hydrophilic properties. The ceramic species can be a surface coating, can be incorporated or embedded into the thermoplastic resin, or can be both a surface coating and incorporated or embedded into the resin. In certain embodiments, the ceramic species is zeolite that is incorporated into the device, especially at the exposed surface of the device, and is devoid of antimicrobial metal ions. The device is introduced into the body surgically. |