The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the mechanical strength and the absorption rate of WE43 material and to develop an absorbable metallic plate and screw for craniofacial application. The extruded WE43 plate and screw were evaluated using a LeFort I osteotomy canine model of 10 beagle dogs. Animals were divided into two groups: five dogs in the experimental group and five dogs in the control group. μCT was acquired at 4, 12, and 24 weeks. At 24 weeks after the operation, all animals were sacrificed, and histologic evaluation was performed. Swelling and gas formation were observed in three dogs in the experimental groups at 8 weeks. From 12 weeks, infraorbital fistula and inflammation were observed in three dogs in the experimental group, which gradually decreased and disappeared at 24 weeks. Other two dogs showed less gas formation at 12 weeks. The plates were completely absorbed, and gas formation was not observed at 24 weeks in these two dogs. New bone was well formed around the plates and screws in both groups. Histologic examination showed no specific differences between two groups. The mechanical strength of extruded WE43 was sufficient for mid‐facial application. Plates and screws made with appropriately treated WE43 have the potential to be useful clinically.

中文翻译：

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骨固定板和螺钉中的可生物降解镁合金 (WE43)。

本研究的目的是评估 WE43 材料的机械强度和吸收率，并开发用于颅面应用的可吸收金属板和螺钉。使用 10 只比格犬的 LeFort I 截骨犬模型评估挤出的 WE43 板和螺钉。动物分为两组：实验组5只狗和对照组5只狗。μCT 在第 4、12 和 24 周获得。术后24周处死所有动物，进行组织学评估。实验组中的三只狗在第 8 周时观察到肿胀和气体形成。从12周开始，实验组3只犬出现眶下瘘和炎症，24周时逐渐减少并消失。其他两只狗在 12 周时表现出较少的气体形成。平板被完全吸收，这两只狗在 24 周时未观察到气体形成。两组的骨板和螺钉周围都形成了良好的新骨。组织学检查显示两组间无特异性差异。挤出的 WE43 的机械强度足以用于中面部应用。用经过适当处理的 WE43 制成的钢板和螺钉有可能在临床上有用。