Biomechanical characterisation of a degradable magnesium-based (MgCa0.8) screw

J Mater Sci Mater Med. 2012 Mar;23(3):649-55. doi: 10.1007/s10856-011-4544-8. Epub 2011 Dec 31.

Abstract

Magnesium alloys have been in the focus of research in recent years as degradable biomaterial. The purpose of this study was the biomechanical characterisation of MgCa0.8-screws. The maximum pull out force of screws was determined in a synthetic bone without corrosion and after fixed intervals of corrosion: 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. This in vitro study has been carried out with Hank's solution with a flow rate corresponding to the blood flow in natural bone. A maximum pull out force (F(max)) of 201.5 ± 9.3 N was measured without corrosion. The biomechanical parameter decreased by 30% after 96 h in corrosive medium compared to the non-corrosion group. A maximum load capacity of 28 ± 7.6 N/h was determined. Our biomechanical data suggests that this biodegradable screw provides a promising bone-screw-fixation and has great potential for medical application.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Bone Screws*
  • Calcium / chemistry*
  • Electrochemistry
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Magnesium / chemistry*
  • Regional Blood Flow

Substances

  • Magnesium
  • Calcium