Solvay’s PEEK‑Titanium Hybrid Fuels Carbon22’s FDA‑Cleared Foot & Ankle Screw System

Solvay Specialty Polymers has supplied its implant‑grade, radiolucent PEEK, Zeniva®, to Carbon22’s groundbreaking Creed Cannulated Screw System for foot and ankle surgery. The PEEK is over‑molded onto a titanium core before final machining, producing a hybrid composite that remains visible on X‑ray and CT while retaining the strength of metal.

After rigorous testing, the system received 510(k) clearance from the FDA, validating its safety and efficacy for clinical use. The clear imaging capability allows surgeons to verify screw placement intra‑operatively, assess post‑operative positioning, and monitor healing during follow‑up visits—reducing the risk of misplacement and improving patient outcomes.

Carbon22’s proprietary manufacturing process controls material waste, cutting production costs relative to traditional machined titanium screws. The hybrid design also permits a more aggressive cutting tip, a feature that all‑PEEK screws cannot achieve. This combination of cost efficiency and performance positions the Creed system as a next‑generation solution for orthopedic foot and ankle procedures.

Unlike opaque titanium screws or diameter‑limited all‑PEEK designs, the Creed hybrid’s radiolucent core produces a clear outline on imaging, enhancing visualization of bone structures. This capability provides surgeons with real‑time feedback on screw trajectory and depth, fostering confidence and potentially reducing revision rates.

“We worked closely with Carbon22 to achieve strong adhesion to titanium, which is not an inherent property of PEEK,” explained Anna Maria Bertasa, Solvay’s Healthcare Global Marketing Manager.

“Solvay is a recognized industry leader for implantable PEEK,” said Carbon22 CEO Vadim Gurevich. “Their team provided exceptional materials expertise and engineering capabilities that were instrumental in the development of our new Creed system. Together, we are actively engaged in new development projects that promise to further drive the next generation of orthopedic devices.”

Carbon22, a privately‑held company, focuses on cost‑effective, high‑margin implant and instrument solutions for musculoskeletal foot and ankle applications. Its products are represented in the U.S. through exclusive distribution and education agreements with Novastep, Inc., Orangeburg, N.Y.