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Biodegradable magnesium alloy (WE43) in bone-fixation plate and screw
Soo-Hwan Byun1,2, Ho-Kyung Lim2,3, Kwang-Hee Cheon4,5
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hallym University Medical Center, Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, Hwaseong, Korea.
Journal of Biomedical Materials Research. Part B, Applied Biomaterials
|February 13, 2020
Summary
WE43 magnesium alloy plates and screws show promise for craniofacial surgery, demonstrating sufficient mechanical strength and absorption. While some inflammation occurred, new bone formation was good, indicating clinical potential.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Materials Engineering
Background:
- Absorbable metallic implants offer advantages over permanent ones in craniofacial reconstruction.
- WE43, a magnesium alloy, is a candidate for such applications due to its mechanical properties and biocompatibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the mechanical strength and absorption characteristics of WE43 material.
- To develop and evaluate absorbable metallic plates and screws for craniofacial applications.
Main Methods:
- Extruded WE43 plates and screws were implanted in a LeFort I osteotomy canine model (10 beagle dogs).
- Micro-computed tomography (μCT) and histologic evaluations were performed at 4, 12, and 24 weeks post-operation.
Main Results:
- WE43 implants exhibited sufficient mechanical strength for mid-facial use.
- Complete absorption and good new bone formation were observed in some cases by 24 weeks.
- Transient inflammation and gas formation occurred in some experimental animals but resolved over time.
Conclusions:
- Appropriately treated WE43 plates and screws demonstrate potential for clinical use in craniofacial surgery.
- The mechanical properties and absorption profile of WE43 support its consideration for absorbable orthopedic implants.
