A Southeast Asian Experience in Biodegradable Implants: Tips and Tricks for Radiological Findings

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomaterials Science
• Radiology

Background:

• Nondegradable metallic implants (e.g., titanium, steel) are standard in orthopedics but cause complications like hardware removal surgery and imaging interference.
• Biodegradable magnesium-based implants present an innovative alternative, offering biocompatibility, osteoconductivity, and bone-like elastic modulus.
• MAGNEZIX compression screws, the first approved magnesium implant, are widely used, particularly in foot and ankle surgery, with positive outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To familiarize radiologists and clinicians with the expected imaging findings of magnesium-based implants.
• To reduce misdiagnosis and unnecessary advanced imaging associated with biodegradable implant biodegradation.
• To provide essential knowledge for interpreting radiological images of patients treated with MAGNEZIX screws.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective evaluation of pre-operative and post-operative radiological images from 75 patients.
• Patients treated with MAGNEZIX screws for foot and ankle injuries between 2020-2022 at Changi General Hospital.
• Detailed presentation of seven selected cases with serial post-operative images, highlighting key learning points.

Main Results:

• Analysis focused on recognizing the normal evolution and degradation patterns of magnesium implants.
• Demonstrated the importance of correlating imaging findings with clinical assessment.
• Highlighted potential pitfalls in interpreting imaging of biodegradable implants.

Conclusions:

• Biodegradable MAGNEZIX screws are effective alternatives to metallic orthopedic implants.
• Knowledge of expected imaging findings is essential to prevent misdiagnosis and reduce unnecessary advanced imaging.
• Effective multidisciplinary communication and staying updated on degradable implant literature are vital.