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). A possible field of application is the use in cartilage and bone repair. 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. To determine the effects of these unphysiologically high concentrations especially of magnesium ions on the formation of
cartilage and bone we performed in vitro tests using human articular chondrocytes, bone derived cells and
bone marrow stromal cells.
