J Korean Orthop Assoc.  2022 Apr;57(2):142-149. 10.4055/jkoa.2022.57.2.142.

Results of a Bioabsorbable Magnesium Screw and K-Wire for the Surgical Treatment of an Upper Extremity Fracture

• Lee CH
• Sun D
• Kwon J

• KMID: 2528430
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.2022.57.2.142

Abstract

Purpose
The treatment of fractures has shown excellent safety enabling solid fixation and early exercise treatment with the development of internal metal fixtures and fixation techniques. On the other hand, complications remain, such as secondary surgery for implant removal and, discomfort caused by internally fixed metal materials. Recently, a bioabsorbable magnesium implant with relatively high strength and low decomposition, manufactured using only body components, was developed in the form of screws and K-wire for use in orthopedic surgery. This study aimed to apply bioabsorbable magnesium screws and K-wires to upper extremity fracture surgery and investigate the results.
Materials and Methods
From May 2019 to September 2019, 46 cases (clavicle 11, humerus 4, olecranon 2, radial head 4, coronoid process 3, radius 4, ulna 1, phalanx 8, metacarpals 8, and hamate 1) in 44 patients who agreed to use a bioabsorbable magnesium implant among patients requiring internal fixation using screws and K-wires for upper extremity fractures at the author’s orthopedic surgery department were enrolled. The U&I Corporation commissioned this study, and a prospective study was conducted. The radiological findings and The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, hydrogen gas generation, and complications were evaluated. In comminuted fractures, the magnesium screws and K-wires were used for additional interfragmentary fixation with a conventional metal plate and screws in 22 cases. There were 24 cases of exclusive usage. The most common surgical method was intramedullary fixation of bioabsorbable magnesium K-wires in 10 cases.
Results
In all cases, bone union was achieved on average 16 weeks (4–28 weeks) after surgery, and the mean DASH score at the last follow-up was 45.0 (30–116). A hydrogen gas cavity produced around the absorbable magnesium implant was observed at an average of two weeks and six days, and the largest was noted at an average of 12 weeks. There were no interactive reactions with drugs, infection, osteolysis, tendon rupture and swelling with hydrogen gas. There were two cases of the loss of reduction, one case of implant breakage, two cases of urticaria.
Conclusion
Bioabsorbable magnesium screws and K-wires can be applied for upper extremity fractures, but caution is required.

Keyword

upper extremity; upper extremity fracture; internal fixation; bioabsorbable; magnesium