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What are advantages of using carbon fiber implants from an imaging perspective?

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There is less imaging artifact, particularly on CT and MRI, and therefore it is easier to assess bone healing and to detect recurrence of cancer.

What are disadvantages of using carbon fiber implants from an imaging perspective?

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The radiolucency of the implant can make it difficult to assess its position intra-operatively and to detect hardware complications on radiographs post-operatively.

What are advantages of using carbon fiber implants from a radiation treatment perspective?

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Carbon fiber implants allow for better mapping and delivery of radiation treatment. These implants transmit more of the radiation dose compared to high-Z metal implants.

What are the biomechanical advantages of using carbon fiber implants?

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Carbon fiber has a higher reported ability to withstand fatigue and therefore perhaps a lower failure rate compared to other materials like titanium and stainless steel. Carbon fiber also has a modulus of elasticity that parallels that of bone, potentially allowing for earlier healing/callus formation and less stress risers. Note that there is a lack of long term studies to validate this clinically.