Evaluation of the biocompatibility of two magnesium alloys as degradable implant materials in comparison to titanium as non‐resorbable material in the rabbit

The aim of this study is to compare the biocompatibility of the two magnesium based alloys LAE442 and LANd442 with that of titanium. For this purpose, cylindrical implants were introduced into the medullary cavity of rabbit's tibiae for 4 and 8 weeks. Animals without any implant served as a control. In the follow-up, clinical, X-ray and μCT-investigations were performed to evaluate the reactions of the bone towards the implanted materials. After euthanasia, ex vivo μCT- and histological investigations were performed to verify the results of the in vivo tests. It could be shown that all materials induce changes in the bone. Whereas LANd442 caused the most pronounced reactions, such as increasing bone volume and bone porosity and decreasing bone density, titanium showed the most bone–implant contact by forming trabeculae. The tibiae of rabbits without implants also reacted by forming cavities, it is therefore assumed that the surgery method itself influences the bone.

► Manipulation of bones in surgery leads to cell activation and remodelling processes.
► Bone remodelling processes start almost immediately after implantation.
► All materials including titanium induce bone changes e.g. increase of bone volume.