Radiographic imaging of carbon fiber implants in the appendicular skeleton in orthopedic oncology

Carbon fiber/poly-ether-ether-ketone implants are increasingly being used in orthopedic oncology. An understanding of how to evaluate the normal appearance of these implants is critical for detecting any failures or complications that may arise. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide primarily a radiographic review of the normal radiographic appearance of carbon fiber-reinforced poly-ether-ether-ketone implants in the appendicular skeleton with some cross-sectional imaging discussion. We additionally aim to highlight some of the unique clinical benefits compared to metal implants, review the unique appearance of failures of these implants, and propose a standardized radiologic method for their evaluation. Our review is based on a retrospective case review of 31 patients with carbon fiber-reinforced poly-ether-ether-ketone implants placed in a single center orthopedic oncology practice from 2017 to 2021.