Peri-articular elbow fracture fixations with magnesium implants and a review of current literature: A case series

Abstract

BACKGROUND In recent years, the use of Magnesium alloy implants have gained renewed popularity, especially after the first commercially available Conformité Européenne approved Magnesium implant became available (MAGNEZIX® CS, Syntellix) in 2013. AIM To document our clinical and radiographical outcomes using magnesium implants in treating peri-articular elbow fractures. METHODS Our paper was based on a retrospective case series design. Intra-operatively, a standardized surgical technique was utilized for insertion of the magnesium implants. Post – operatively, clinic visits were standardized and physical exam findings, functional scores, and radiographs were obtained at each visit. All complications were recorded. RESULTS Five patients with 6 fractures were recruited (2 coronoid, 3 radial head and 1 capitellum). The mean patient age and length of follow up was 54.6 years and 11 months respectively. All fractures healed, and none exhibited loss of reduction or complications requiring revision surgery. No patient developed synovitis of the elbow joint or suffered electrolytic reactions when titanium implants were used concurrently. CONCLUSION Although there is still a paucity of literature available on the subject and further studies are required, magnesium implants appear to be a feasible tool for fixation of peri-articular elbow fractures with promising results in our series.