Computational biomechanical and biodegradation integrity assessment of Mg-based biomedical devices for cardiovascular and orthopedic applications: A review

Abstract

Magnesium and magnesium based alloys biomaterials are considered the most viable and pragmatic choice of selection as biomedical alternatives for tissue repair of damaged bones, vascular and other biological disorders. Considering the sensitivity and health implication of implanting foreign matter into the human system, extensive studies are required before clearance for clinical trials is given. This often requires rigorous experimental evaluations of biomechanical and biodegradation properties of such biomaterials, which are often expensive, time consuming and practically demanding, and requires several validation protocols. The technical advances in computing power as well as computational modeling techniques, such as finite element analysis, have been sort to address these limitations, but very little has been catalogued in reviews on the basis of their utilization and sundry issues. This paper attempts to fill this gap by assessing from literature, how effective the application of finite element analysis has been in the evaluation of the biomechanical and biodegradation behaviour of Mg-based biomedical systems which are considered for use as stents, screws, staples, and implants for orthopedic and cardiovascular applications. The review focuses on how factors such as geometric profile of the Mg based system, the material properties and applicable physical and constitutive laws, design parameters, boundary conditions stipulated, the analysis of modeling and simulation outcomes, and agreements with experimental data, influence the potentials for utilization for real life designs of Mg based biomaterial systems. Also, the challenges that could affect their effectiveness with directions on future studies for improvements, were covered. The review will be of immense benefit to researchers, biomaterial designers and clinicians.