Comparative Assessment of In Vitro and In Vivo Biodegradation of Mg-1Ca Magnesium Alloys for Orthopedic Applications

Use of magnesium implants is a new trend in orthopedic research because it has several important properties that recommend it as an excellent resorbable biomaterial for implants. In this study, the corrosion rate and behavior of magnesium alloys during the biodegradation process were determined by in vitro assays, evolution of hydrogen release, and weight loss, and further by in vivo assays (implantation in rabbits' bone and muscle tissue). In these tests, we also used imaging assessments and histological examination of different tissue types near explants. In our study, we analyzed the Mg-1Ca alloy and all the hypotheses regarding the toxic effects found in in vitro studies from the literature and those from this in vitro study were rejected by the data obtained by the in vivo study. Thus, the Mg-1Ca alloy represents a promising solution for orthopedic surgery at the present time, being able to find applicability in the small bones: hand or foot.

Automated summary

The use of magnesium implants as an excellent absorbable biomaterial in orthopedic research is a promising trend. Through in vitro and in vivo assays, the Mg-1Ca alloy was proven to be a promising solution, especially for small bones such as those in the hand or foot.