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Open Access
CC BY 4.0 · J Wrist Surg
DOI: 10.1055/a-2776-0671
Scientific Article

Foreign Body Reaction in Wrist Arthroplasty Using a Carbon Fiber Reinforced Poly-Ether-Ether-Ketone Articulation: A Secondary Analysis of 11 Cases

Authors

  • Daniel Reiser

    1   Department of Orthopedics and Hand Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden

  • Arpad Szallasi 

    2   Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
    3   Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary

  • Severin Sape

    4   Department of Orthopedics and Hand Surgery, Örebro University Hospital, Region Örebro County, Sweden

  • Per Wretenberg

    1   Department of Orthopedics and Hand Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden

  • Marcus Sagerfors 

    1   Department of Orthopedics and Hand Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden

Funding Information This study was funded by a grant from Örebro County Council (ALF project, grant number: OLL-1010486). The funding bodies had no part in the design of the study, collection, analysis and interpretation of data, or in the writing of the manuscript.
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Abstract

Introduction

Wrist arthroplasty is a motion-preserving procedure. However, despite improvements in implant design, implant failure remains an issue. The aim of this secondary analysis was to assess failures associated with synovitis and to report histopathological findings in an initial patient cohort (n = 40) reported previously.

Materials and Methods

Eleven cases of implant failure and synovitis were identified among hemi and total wrist arthroplasties with a carbon fiber reinforced poly-ether-ether-ketone (CFR-PEEK) articulation.

Results

Six cases had undergone component exchange/revision; of these, five were revised to a radiocarpal arthrodesis. Pronounced wear of the CFR-PEEK articulating surface was noted. Histopathological examination indicated that CFR-PEEK particles were incorporated by macrophages, but no giant cell reactions could be seen.

Conclusion

A high frequency of synovitis warranting reoperation was noted. We recommend caution and close monitoring of CFR-PEEK articulations in the wrist.

Keywords

wrist arthroplasty - loosening - arthritis - synovitis - foreign body reaction


Publication History

Received: 26 August 2025

Accepted: 18 December 2025

Article published online:
07 January 2026

© 2026. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

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