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Biomaterials Translational ›› 2021, Vol. 2 ›› Issue (3): 214-235.doi: 10.12336/biomatertransl.2021.03.005

• REVIEW • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Biodegradable magnesium alloys for orthopaedic applications

Yu Lu1, Subodh Deshmukh2, Ian Jones1, Yu-Lung Chiu1,*()   

  1. 1 School of Metallurgy and Materials, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
    2 Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
  • Received:2021-06-01 Revised:2021-07-14 Accepted:2021-08-16 Online:2021-09-28 Published:2021-09-28
  • Contact: Yu-Lung Chiu E-mail:y.chiu@bham.ac.uk
  • About author:Yu-Lung Chiu, y.chiu@bham.ac.uk.

Abstract:

There is increasing interest in the development of bone repair materials for biomedical applications. Magnesium (Mg)-based alloys have a natural ability to biodegrade because they corrode in aqueous media; they are thus promising materials for orthopaedic device applications in that the need for a secondary surgical operation to remove the implant can be eliminated. Notably, Mg has superior biocompatibility because Mg is found in the human body in abundance. Moreover, Mg alloys have a low elastic modulus, close to that of natural bone, which limits stress shielding. However, there are still some challenges for Mg-based fracture fixation. The degradation of Mg alloys in biological fluids can be too rapid, resulting in a loss of mechanical integrity before complete healing of the bone fracture. In order to achieve an appropriate combination of bio-corrosion and mechanical performance, the microstructure needs to be tailored properly by appropriate alloy design, as well as the use of strengthening processes and manufacturing techniques. This review covers the evolution, current strategies and future perspectives of Mg-based orthopaedic implants.

Key words: biodegradability, magnesium alloys, mechanical behaviour, microstructure, orthopaedic application