High Complication Rate and High Percentage of Regressing Radiolucency in Magnesium Screw Fixation in 18 Consecutive Patients

Abstract

(1) Background: Magnesium-based implants use has become a research focus in recent years. Radiolucent areas around inserted screws are still worrisome. The objective of this study was to investigate the first 18 patients treated using MAGNEZIX® CS screws. (2) Methods: This retrospective case series included all 18 consecutive patients treated using MAGNEZIX® CS screws at our Level-1 trauma center. Radiographs were taken at 3-, 6- and 9-month follow-ups. Osteolysis, radiolucency and material failure were assessed, as were infection and revision surgery. (3) Results: Most patients (61.1%) had surgery in the shoulder region. Radiolucency regressed from 55.6% at 3-month follow-ups to 11.1% at 9-month follow-ups. Material failure occurred in four patients (22.22%) and infection occurred in two patients, yielding a 33.33% complication rate. (4) Conclusion: MAGNEZIX® CS screws demonstrated a high percentage of radiolucency that regressed and seems to be clinically irrelevant. The material failure rate and infection rate require further research.

In Vivo Safety of New Coating for Biodegradable Magnesium Implants

“…The application of Mg-based implants is usually accompanied by inflammation of the peri-implant tissues together with the gaseous cavities resulting from the gaseous accumulation generated by the degradation of the Mg implant [24,25]. According to our data, application of Mg-based implants with S1 coating was associated with gaseous void formation and profound inflammatory reaction, associated with numerous PMNL and M1-macrophages recruiting.…”