Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 6, 2026

Sequential In vivo Imaging of Osteogenic Stem/Progenitor Cells During Fracture Repair
Published on: May 23, 2014
Resorbable implants in pediatric fracture treatment
Nicole Gabriele Grün1, Patrick Lukas Holweg1, Nicholas Donohue1
1Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
Insights
Biodegradable implants offer a promising alternative to traditional rigid materials like titanium for pediatric bone fracture fixation. These resorbable materials eliminate the need for removal surgery, reducing patient burden and healthcare costs.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Biomaterials science
- Pediatric traumatology
Background:
- Pediatric osteosynthesis has advanced, reducing hospitalization burdens.
- Current rigid implants (e.g., titanium) often require removal to prevent growth impediment.
- Biodegradable implants present an alternative to minimize repeat surgeries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current implant materials in pediatric traumatology.
- To focus on magnesium-based (Mg-based) implants.
- To discuss scientific knowledge on resorbable implants.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on pediatric osteosynthesis implants.
- Focus on properties and applications of Mg-based biodegradable materials.
- Analysis of pre-clinical and clinical data for resorbable implants.
Main Results:
- Conventional rigid implants necessitate secondary removal surgeries.
- Biodegradable materials offer potential for in-situ resorption.
- Mg-based implants show promise as resorbable alternatives.
Conclusions:
- Biodegradable implants, particularly Mg-based ones, can avoid secondary surgeries in pediatric patients.
- Further research and clinical validation are crucial for widespread adoption.
- Resorbable implants represent a significant advancement in pediatric bone fracture management.
Abstract:
Pediatric osteosynthesis has developed over the last 20 years, thereby reducing medical and economic burden, including long and expensive hospitalization. Currently, conventional and rigid alloying systems such as titanium are used for stabilization of bone fractures in children. In many cases, implants must be removed, as otherwise growth would be impeded. Biodegradable implant materials exhibit beneficial properties and would make a second removal surgery unnecessary. In the following article, we will give an overview of implant materials that are currently used in pediatric traumatology with a focus on Mg-based implants. Furthermore, we will discuss current scientific knowledge on resorbable implants, including results from pre-clinics and clinics.
More Related Videos
08:153D Planning and Printing of Patient Specific Implants for Reconstruction of Bony Defects
Published on: August 4, 2020
07:35Creating Rigidly Stabilized Fractures for Assessing Intramembranous Ossification, Distraction Osteogenesis, or Healing of Critical Sized Defects
Published on: April 11, 2012