Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
Gieringer, S.
Evaluating the degradation behaviour of magnesium-lithium-based alloy in rats
Humanmedizin; [ Diplomarbeit ] Medizinische Universität Graz; 2022. pp. 50
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- Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz:
- Betreuer*innen:
- Sommer Nicole
- Weinberg Annelie-Martina
- Altmetrics:
- Abstract:
- Osteoporosis is a disease that primarily affects people over 65. Osteoporotic bone decreases in both density and stiffness. Surgical treatment of osteoporotic fractures is performed with standard materials like titanium or steel, which are commonly used due to their good tolerance, rigidity and biocompatibility. Nevertheless, these permanent materials can induce stress-shielding, which favours re-fractures underneath the implant, trigger infections, and are usually removed after healing in a secondary operation. Magnesium (Mg) is an innovative material with good biomechanical and resorbable properties and is well tolerated. Studies have already shown that the release of Mg ions during corrosion supports bone formation and the expression of anabolic markers in peri-implant bone. Preliminary studies on rat bones have shown that the Mg-based material ZX00, which consists of magnesium-zinc-calcium, degrades faster in osteoporotic compared to juvenile rats. The aim of this study was to compare the new magnesium-calcium-lithium-based alloy LX41 with ZX00 in a juvenile, healthy rat model. Seven four-weeks-old Sprague Dawley rats underwent bilateral transcortical implantation of cylindrical LX41 pins into the proximal metaphysis of the tibia. Micro (µ)-CT were performed immediately after surgery as well as 2, 12, 18 and 24 weeks afterwards. We evaluated implant volume and surface area as well as hydrogen gas formation. After sacrification, tibiae were excised, embedded and histologically analysed. The results showed an initial increased volume loss of LX41 until week 18, which decreased until week 24. Two weeks after implantation, an increased gas development was found, which decreased to low, adequate gas values at further points. Despite gas development, the bone marrow cavity appeared intact. Good osseointegration and new bone formation were histologically observed. Furthermore, there were no signs of acute inflammation or granuloma formation in the bone tissue. In conclusion, we demonstrated that LX41 had no negative effect on bone formation, despite initially high hydrogen gas formation and quantity. The first attempt demonstrated the LX41’s suitability as a bioresorbable material for orthopaedics and trauma surgery. Further studies are needed to evaluate the applicability under osteoporotic conditions.