Title: Review on magnesium alloys as biodegradable implant materials

Authors: Puneet Gill; Norman Munroe

Addresses: Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Florida International University, 10555 W. Flagler St., Miami, Florida 33172, USA ' Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Florida International University, 10555 W. Flagler St., Miami, Florida 33172, USA

Abstract: Biomaterials have been used for more than a century in the human body to improve body functions and replace damaged tissues. Some biomaterials remain as permanent fixtures, whereas others such as plates, screws and pins used to secure serious fractures are removed by a second surgical procedure after the tissue has healed sufficiently. However, repeat surgical procedures increase the cost of healthcare and the possibility of patient morbidity. The major advantage of dissolvable implants is that no surgery is required once implanted. This paper will be of interest to researchers engaged in the development of biodegradable alloys for cardiovascular and orthopaedic applications. The paper reviews the development of degradable magnesium (Mg) based implant materials and the effect of potential alloying elements on their mechanical and biocompatibility properties.

Keywords: biomaterials; magnesium alloys; biodegradable implants; implant materials; corrosion; dissolvable implants; cardiovascular applications; orthopaedic applications; biodegradable alloys; biocompatibility.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBET.2012.052400

International Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, 2012 Vol.10 No.4, pp.383 - 398

Published online: 12 Dec 2014 *

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