Safety and performance of biodegradable magnesium-based implants in children and adolescents

TY - JOUR

T1 - Safety and performance of biodegradable magnesium-based implants in children and adolescents

AU - Stürznickel, Julian

AU - Delsmann, Maximilian M.

AU - Jungesblut, Oliver

AU - Stücker, Ralf

AU - Knorr, Christian

AU - Rolvien, Tim

AU - Kertai, Michael

AU - Rupprecht, Martin

PY - 2021/3/15

Y1 - 2021/3/15

N2 - AimsBiodegradable magnesium-based alloy implants represent a promising option in orthopedic surgery, as the clinical outcomes have been reported to be comparable to those of titanium implants and no surgical interventions are required for removal. To date, little is known about the results of the use of these implants in children and adolescents. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to analyze the safety and performance of these implants in children and adolescents.Patients and MethodsEighty-nine patients treated with magnesium-based implants for fracture stabilization, osteotomy and osteochondral refixation were analyzed; 38 were treated by osteosynthesis; 18, osteotomy; and 33, osteochondral refixation. The mean follow-up duration was 8.2 months (range, 1.5–30 months). Clinical and radiographical follow-up examinations were performed at 4–8 weeks and 3–6 months, respectively, to evaluate implant performance and osseous consolidation.ResultsClinical outcomes were rated as good to very good in all patients. Radiolucent zones were apparent after surgery in all patients but were noted to decrease in size during the follow-up period. Revision surgery was necessary in 1 of 89 patients who had a highly unstable osteochondritis dissecans lesion of the knee. None of the magnesium-based implants required surgical removal.ConclusionMagnesium-based implants in children and adolescents results in good clinical outcomes when used for fracture stabilization, osteotomy and osteochondral defect refixation. Future studies are needed to further analyze the significance of the transient appearance and temporal development of radiolucent zones in the growing skeleton as well as the long-term performance of these implants.

AB - AimsBiodegradable magnesium-based alloy implants represent a promising option in orthopedic surgery, as the clinical outcomes have been reported to be comparable to those of titanium implants and no surgical interventions are required for removal. To date, little is known about the results of the use of these implants in children and adolescents. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to analyze the safety and performance of these implants in children and adolescents.Patients and MethodsEighty-nine patients treated with magnesium-based implants for fracture stabilization, osteotomy and osteochondral refixation were analyzed; 38 were treated by osteosynthesis; 18, osteotomy; and 33, osteochondral refixation. The mean follow-up duration was 8.2 months (range, 1.5–30 months). Clinical and radiographical follow-up examinations were performed at 4–8 weeks and 3–6 months, respectively, to evaluate implant performance and osseous consolidation.ResultsClinical outcomes were rated as good to very good in all patients. Radiolucent zones were apparent after surgery in all patients but were noted to decrease in size during the follow-up period. Revision surgery was necessary in 1 of 89 patients who had a highly unstable osteochondritis dissecans lesion of the knee. None of the magnesium-based implants required surgical removal.ConclusionMagnesium-based implants in children and adolescents results in good clinical outcomes when used for fracture stabilization, osteotomy and osteochondral defect refixation. Future studies are needed to further analyze the significance of the transient appearance and temporal development of radiolucent zones in the growing skeleton as well as the long-term performance of these implants.

U2 - 10.1016/j.injury.2021.03.037

DO - 10.1016/j.injury.2021.03.037

M3 - SCORING: Journal article

VL - 52

SP - 2265

EP - 2271

JO - INJURY

JF - INJURY

SN - 0020-1383

IS - 8

ER -