Abstract
Degradable implants made of magnesium alloys have been shown to be a promising new
material for the use in orthopaedic and trauma surgery in terms of short term stability and
biocompatibility (1). Their special strength is the complete and fast degradation and
replacement of the implant. On the other hand a large amount of metal ions is released from
the magnesium implant during the degradation process. A possible field of application is the
use in cartilage repair. To determine the effects of these unphysiologically high concentrations
especially of magnesium ions on the formation of cartilage we performed an in vitro test using
human articular chondrocytes.
