Biodegradable surgical implants based on magnesium alloys - A review of current research

Abstract

There is considerable interest in the potential of magnesium alloys to be used in place of existing materials for surgical implants. Of particular interest is the possibility of using magnesium implants to act as both scaffolding on which new bone can grow, and as fixtures to hold together bone long enough to allow natural healing to take place. Magnesium is particularly desirable in this type of application as it is bio-compatible, and it has a modulus of elasticity closer to bone than currently used materials. Another major advantage of using magnesium as a surgical implant is in its ability to biodegrade in situ. This in turn means that the implant need not remain in the body without needing extra surgery to remove it. This paper presents a review of current research into magnesium based surgical implants. © 2009 IOP Publishing Ltd.