Objective: To review the progress of in vivo study on degradable magnesium alloys application as bone-implant materials.
Methods: Recent literature was extensively reviewed and summarized, concerning the in vivo study on degradable magnesium alloys as orthopaedic implants.
Results: Magnesium alloys possess a natural ability to degrade via corrosion in vivo, which is promising candidate material for orthopaedic medical device applications. A great progress has been made to improve in vivo performance and integration with bone tissue. However, the degradation mechanism of magnesium-based materials in the physiological environment and long-term effect on body are not available. The modulation of the corrosion rate of magnesium alloys must also be accomplished.
Conclusion: Magnesium alloys have the potential to serve as degradable implants for orthopaedic applications, but a great deal of further investigation is still necessary.