Biocompatibility and biodegradability evaluation of magnesium-based intramedullary bone implants in avian model

At present days osteosynthesis modalities for avian fracture management are inadequate. External coaptation is the most practiced method however, specialized clinics have started introducing intramedullary pinning, external skeletal fixation with tie-in-fixation for fracture immobilization. Magnesium (Mg) based biomaterials are trustable developments in the field of orthopedics compared to their permanent stainless steel counterparts concerning long term adverse reaction. Mg implants are becoming promising for their use as intramedullary accessories because they are bioresorbable with high strength-weight ratio and the similarities in density and elastic modulus to the natural bones. However, their severe biodegradation trait restricts frequent use as load-bearing orthopedic implants. In this study, the biocompatibility and biodegradability of Mg based intramedullary cylindrical spacers (2.4 mm diameter × 8 mm height) reinforced with 0, 5, 15 wt% of hydroxyapatite (HA, Ca₁₀ (PO₄ )₆ (OH)₂ ) were evaluated in 18 Uttara-fowl birds. Clinical, radiological (from immediate postoperative days till 24th week), biochemical (first three postoperative weeks) and histopathological study of test bone were carried out to evaluate implant degradation and osteocompatibility. Biodegradation of Mg-3Zn/0HA and Mg-3Zn/15HA initiated a bit earlier at second week of implantation, while that of Mg-3Zn/5HA at 3-fourth week, and found biocompatible and biodegradable with no observable clinical and histopathological changes.