The Long-Term Quality of Life Study for Patients Received Chest Wall Reconstruction by Using 3D-Printed PEEK Implants.

BACKGROUND

For the repair of chest wall defects, three-dimensional-printed PEEK implants show great potential due to their excellent anatomical matching and mechanical properties. However, Quality-Of-Life assessments after using these implants in chest wall reconstruction remain underexplored.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study included 20 patients who underwent chest wall defect reconstruction with 3D-printed PEEK implants at our center between April 2017 and June 2024 and were followed up long-term. Clinical data collected at various time points included safety indicators (long-term adverse reactions, blood routine, hepatic and renal function), respiratory function assessments (pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gas analysis), Quality-Of-Life indicators (SF-36 health survey).

RESULTS

Through a median follow-up of 35.3 months, we found that personalized PEEK thoracic rib implants achieved precise anatomical reconstruction and effective respiratory dynamics maintenance. Complete recovery of preoperative hematological parameters (p > 0.05) and liver/kidney function confirmed their biochemical safety. ≥ 1 year after surgery, the restrictive ventilation function of the patients was still lower than that before the operation, and the CO2 excretion increased (p < 0.05), but the alveolar ventilation function wasn't impaired. Oxygenation was normal (p > 0.05). The patient's physical health scores (SF-36 PCS) remained unchanged from preoperative levels (p > 0.05), while psychosocial functioning (SF-36 MCS) showed significant improvement (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

3D-printed PEEK implants used in chest wall reconstruction exhibited favorable safety and were associated with improved long-term Quality Of Life. These findings support that PEEK reconstruction may contribute to a combined benefit of disease control, functional preservation, and psychological recovery.