Abstract
BackgroundMagnesium alloys are recommended as a potential material for osteosynthesis. It is known that storage-induced property modifications can occur in materials like aluminum. Thus the aim of this study was to analyze the influence of storage durations of up to 48 weeks on the biomechanical, structural, and degradation properties of the degradable magnesium alloy LAE442.MethodsExtruded implants (n = 104; Ø 2.5 mm × 25 mm) were investigated after storage periods of 0, 12, 24, and 48 weeks in three different sub-studies: (I) immediately after the respective storage duration and after an additional (II) 56 days of in vitro corrosion in simulated body fluid (SFB), and (III) 48 weeks in vivo corrosion in a rabbit model, respectively. In addition, the influence of a T5-heat treatment (206 °C for 15 h in an argon atmosphere) was tested (n = 26; 0 week of storage). Evaluation was performed by three-point bending, scanning electron microscopy, radiography, µ-computed tomography, evaluation of the mean grain size, and contrast analysis of precipitations (such as aluminum or lithium).ResultsThe heat treatment induced a significant reduction in initial stability, and enhanced the corrosion resistance. In vivo experiments showed a good biocompatibility for all implants. During the storage of up to 48 weeks, no significant changes occurred in the implant properties.ConclusionsLAE442 implants can be safely used after up to 48 weeks of storage.
Highlights
Magnesium alloys are recommended as a potential material for osteo‐ synthesis
Degradable magnesium implants have been recommended as a potential material for osteosynthesis, as they have shown positive results in a number of research studies [1]
The mean maximum force of the implants decreased by 17.13 % after the in vitro immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF) and by 55.25 % after implantation in vivo compared to the untreated samples
Summary
Magnesium alloys are recommended as a potential material for osteo‐ synthesis. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of storage durations of up to 48 weeks on the biomechanical, structural, and degradation proper‐ ties of the degradable magnesium alloy LAE442. The influence of a T5-heat treatment (206 °C for 15 h in an argon atmosphere) was tested (n = 26; 0 week of storage). Degradable magnesium implants have been recommended as a potential material for osteosynthesis, as they have shown positive results in a number of research studies [1]. For quality assurance of a degradable implant it is necessary to ensure that the properties of the material remain constant over a defined period of time. Edlund et al [5] analyzed the influence of storage on polymeric degradable implants for up to 5 months and one of the effects they observed was an increase in hydrolysis on the implant surface.
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