Radiographic features of magnesium-based bioabsorbable screw resorption in paediatric fractures

Newly Developed Resorbable Magnesium Biomaterials for Orbital Floor Reconstruction in Caprine and Ovine Animal Models—A Prototype Design and Proof-of-Principle Study

“…Furthermore, magnesium biomaterial has superior osseointegration properties, which have been shown to improve bone healing and regeneration [7][8][9]. In addition, magnesium biomaterials are biocompatible and resorbable, which means they do not cause any adverse reaction or immune responses and they can break down into harmless ions that can be excreted or absorbed by the body [13]. Of particular significance is that these biomaterials can be 2 of 10 used in temporary implants where the implant will degrade once the bone has healed, making them ideal for use in pediatric traumatology [7][8][9].…”

Resorbable magnesium screws for fixation of medial epicondyle avulsion fractures in skeletally immature patients: A comparison with Kirschner wires

“…Baldini et al 2 previously reported breakage of one magnesium screw following medial epicondyle fixation, with the screw fragment sitting within the soft tissues under the skin, but did not record this complication in the current publication? Waelti et al 3 reported breakage of the bone fragment fixated with a magnesium screw in 4 and screw breakage in 16 out of 35 children. The bone fragment fractures reported by Waelti et al 3 will be the result of the bone lysis and reduction of bone strength caused by the magnesium-alloy reaction.…”

“…Waelti et al 3 reported breakage of the bone fragment fixated with a magnesium screw in 4 and screw breakage in 16 out of 35 children. The bone fragment fractures reported by Waelti et al 3 will be the result of the bone lysis and reduction of bone strength caused by the magnesium-alloy reaction. The images provided by Baldini et al 1 in their third figure show a periosteal reaction at the lateral aspect of the distal humerus, with markedly reduced bone density extending from the distal magnesium screw toward the lateral side, which could represent a stress fracture.…”

“…In summary, we do not think that there is a practical advantage in using magnesium screws over other metal implants and would not consider their use because of the extensive associated osteolysis and reduced bone strength, which can result in fragment fractures. 3 Stainless steel/titanium screws do not need to be removed unless they cause localized symptoms or in young patients to preserve physeal growth. What is more important than the choice of screw is to possibly expand the indications for non-operative management, 6 rather than a strict 5-mm threshold for surgery.…”