Orthosorb resorption evaluation using MRI and histologic analysis

Resorbable bone fixation devices may be used in various surgical procedures for internal fixation in place of traditional metallic devices. Currently, there is no radiographic technique for tracing the postsurgical location and resorption of these devices. This study was undertaken to ascertain whether magnetic resonance imaging is a suitable tool for performing such evaluations. Using an animal model, the authors investigated the correlation over time between the magnetic resonance image of a surgically implanted pin and its histologically verified location and state.