Biodegradable magnesium screws in elbow fracture fixation: Clinical case series

Biodegradable magnesium-based implants are innovative alternatives that potentially eliminate the need for implant removal. Recent studies have demonstrated the osteogenic properties and bacterial inhibition potentials of magnesium screws. We reported a clinical series of three elbow fracture cases,...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Wai-Him Lam, Chi-Yin Tso, Ning Tang, Wing-Hoi Cheung, Ling Qin, Ronald Man-Yeung Wong
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SAGE Publishing 2022-12-01
Series:Journal of Orthopaedics, Trauma and Rehabilitation
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1177/2210491720986983
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Biodegradable magnesium-based implants are innovative alternatives that potentially eliminate the need for implant removal. Recent studies have demonstrated the osteogenic properties and bacterial inhibition potentials of magnesium screws. We reported a clinical series of three elbow fracture cases, where magnesium screws were used in the treatment of one radial head and two capitellum fractures. Postoperative clinical courses were uneventful, and fracture healing occurred within 3 months. In all cases, radiolucencies were observed around implants especially in the screw head region at 2 months post-operation, but disappeared with consolidation at 1 year post-operation. All patients achieved near normal range of motion, minimal symptoms and good functional outcomes. No complication such as failure of fixation, loss of reduction, malunion or infection was seen. No implant revision or removal was necessary. Magnesium bioabsorbable screws are shown to be a viable option for these fractures.
ISSN:2210-4925