Julian Stürznickel1, Maximilian M Delsmann1, Oliver D Jungesblut2, Ralf Stücker2, Christian Knorr3, Tim Rolvien4, Michael Kertai5, Martin Rupprecht6. 1. Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany. 2. Department of Pediatric Orthopaedics, Children's Hospital Hamburg-Altona, Hamburg, Germany; Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany. 3. Department of Pediatric Surgery, Klinik St. Hedwig, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany. 4. Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany. 5. Department of Pediatric Surgery, Klinik St. Hedwig, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany. Electronic address: Michael.Kertai@barmherzige-regensburg.de. 6. Department of Pediatric Orthopaedics, Children's Hospital Hamburg-Altona, Hamburg, Germany; Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany. Electronic address: Martin.Rupprecht@kinderkrankenhaus.net.
Abstract
AIMS: Biodegradable magnesium-based alloy implants represent a promising option in orthopedic surgery, as the clinical outcomes have been reported to be comparable to those of titanium implants and no surgical interventions are required for removal. To date, little is known about the results of the use of these implants in children and adolescents. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to analyze the safety and performance of these implants in children and adolescents. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty-nine patients treated with magnesium-based implants for fracture stabilization, osteotomy and osteochondral refixation were analyzed; 38 were treated by osteosynthesis; 18, osteotomy; and 33, osteochondral refixation. The mean follow-up duration was 8.2 months (range, 1.5-30 months). Clinical and radiographical follow-up examinations were performed at 4-8 weeks and 3-6 months, respectively, to evaluate implant performance and osseous consolidation. RESULTS: Clinical outcomes were rated as good to very good in all patients. Radiolucent zones were apparent after surgery in all patients but were noted to decrease in size during the follow-up period. Revision surgery was necessary in 1 of 89 patients who had a highly unstable osteochondritis dissecans lesion of the knee. None of the magnesium-based implants required surgical removal. CONCLUSION: Magnesium-based implants in children and adolescents results in good clinical outcomes when used for fracture stabilization, osteotomy and osteochondral defect refixation. Future studies are needed to further analyze the significance of the transient appearance and temporal development of radiolucent zones in the growing skeleton as well as the long-term performance of these implants.
AIMS: Biodegradable magnesium-based alloy implants represent a promising option in orthopedic surgery, as the clinical outcomes have been reported to be comparable to those of titanium implants and no surgical interventions are required for removal. To date, little is known about the results of the use of these implants in children and adolescents. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to analyze the safety and performance of these implants in children and adolescents. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty-nine patients treated with magnesium-based implants for fracture stabilization, osteotomy and osteochondral refixation were analyzed; 38 were treated by osteosynthesis; 18, osteotomy; and 33, osteochondral refixation. The mean follow-up duration was 8.2 months (range, 1.5-30 months). Clinical and radiographical follow-up examinations were performed at 4-8 weeks and 3-6 months, respectively, to evaluate implant performance and osseous consolidation. RESULTS: Clinical outcomes were rated as good to very good in all patients. Radiolucent zones were apparent after surgery in all patients but were noted to decrease in size during the follow-up period. Revision surgery was necessary in 1 of 89 patients who had a highly unstable osteochondritis dissecans lesion of the knee. None of the magnesium-based implants required surgical removal. CONCLUSION: Magnesium-based implants in children and adolescents results in good clinical outcomes when used for fracture stabilization, osteotomy and osteochondral defect refixation. Future studies are needed to further analyze the significance of the transient appearance and temporal development of radiolucent zones in the growing skeleton as well as the long-term performance of these implants.
Authors: Oliver D Jungesblut; Menard Moritz; Alexander S Spiro; Ralf Stuecker; Martin Rupprecht Journal: Cartilage Date: 2022 Jul-Sep Impact factor: 3.117