title: Biodegradation of a magnesium alloy implant in the intercondylar femoral notch showed an appropriate response to the synovial membrane in a rabbit model in vivo.
abstract: Degradable magnesium alloys are promising biomaterials for orthopedic applications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential effects on both the synovial membrane (synovialis) and the synovial fluid (synovia) of the degradation products of a MgYREZr-pin implanted in the intercondylar femoral notch in a rabbit model. Thirty-six animals were randomized into two groups (MgYREZr or Ti6Al4V alloy) of 18 animals each. Each group was then divided into three subgroups with implantation periods of 1, 4, and 12 weeks, with six animals in each subgroup. The initial inflammatory reaction caused by the surgical trauma declined after 12 weeks of implantation, and elucidated a progressive recovery of the synovial membrane. Compared with control Ti6Al4V pins, there were no significant differences between the groups. However, after 12 weeks, recovery of the synovial membrane was more advanced in the titanium group, in which 92% showed no signs of synovitis, than in the magnesium group. A cytotoxicity test with L929 cells and human osteoblasts (HOB) was also conducted, according to EN ISO 10993-5/12, and no toxic leachable products were observed after 24 h of incubation. In conclusion, the MgYREZr alloy seems to be a suitable material for intra-articular degradable implants.
authors: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany marco.ezechieli@ddh-gruppe.de.
authors: Marco
authors: M
authors: Ezechieli
authors: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany CrossBIT, Center for Biocompatibility and Implant-Immunology, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
authors: Julia
authors: J
authors: Diekmann
authors: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany CrossBIT, Center for Biocompatibility and Implant-Immunology, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
authors: Andreas
authors: A
authors: Weizbauer
authors: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
authors: Christoph
authors: C
authors: Becher
authors: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
authors: Elmar
authors: E
authors: Willbold
authors: Institute of Production Engineering and Machine Tools (IFW), Leibniz Universität Hannover, Garbsen, Germany.
authors: Patrick
authors: P
authors: Helmecke
authors: Syntellix AG, Schiffgraben 11, Hannover, Germany.
authors: Arne
authors: A
authors: Lucas
authors: Syntellix AG, Schiffgraben 11, Hannover, Germany.
authors: Robert
authors: R
authors: Schavan
authors: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
authors: Henning
authors: H
authors: Windhagen
keywords: Magnesium alloy; biocompatibility; cytotoxicity test; degradable; synovitis