Bioabsorbable Magnesium-Based Materials Potential and Safety in Bone Surgery: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Materials Engineering

Background:

• Bioabsorbable magnesium (Mg) materials are emerging as promising alternatives for bone fixation.
• Traditional metallic implants like titanium (Ti) have limitations, including the need for removal.
• Evaluating the clinical efficacy and safety of Mg-based implants is crucial for their wider adoption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and analyze the clinical outcomes, safety profile, and applications of bioabsorbable Mg-based materials in bone fixation surgeries.
• To compare the performance of Mg implants against conventional Ti implants regarding revision rates, bone union, and infection.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA statement guidelines.
• Searches were performed across electronic databases, supplemented by manual and reference list searches.
• Included studies were qualitatively analyzed for patient data, biocompatibility, revision surgery rates, bone union, gas formation, and serum Mg/Ca levels.

Main Results:

• Eight studies with 386 patients were included in the final analysis.
• The Mg group demonstrated a significantly lower revision surgery rate (1/275) compared to the Ti group (18/111).
• High bone union rates and a low infection incidence (3/275) were observed in the Mg group, with no significant impact on serum Mg and Ca levels.

Conclusions:

• Bioabsorbable magnesium implants represent a safe and resorbable alternative for bone fixation in orthopedic applications.
• Current applications exclude oral and maxillofacial surgeries, highlighting a need for further research.
• Future investigations should focus on expanding Mg implant applications across diverse anatomical sites to maximize patient benefits.