For the surgical technique of guided bone regeneration (GBR), the choice of available barrier membranes has until recently not included an option that is mechanically strong, durable, synthetic and resorbable. The most commonly used resorbable membranes are made from collagen, which are restricted in their mechanical strength. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the degradation and regeneration potential of a magnesium membrane compared to a collagen membrane. In eighteen beagle dogs, experimental bone defects were filled with bovine xenograft and covered with either a magnesium membrane or collagen membrane. The health status of the animals was regularly monitored and recorded. Following sacrifice, the hemimandibles were prepared for micro-CT (μ-CT) analysis. Complications during healing were observed in both groups, but ultimately, the regenerative outcome was similar between groups. The μ-CT parameters showed comparable results in both groups in terms of new bone formation at all four time points. In addition, the μ-CT analysis showed that the greatest degradation of the magnesium membranes occurred between 1 and 8 weeks and continued until week 16. The proportion of new bone within the defect site was similar for both treatment groups, indicating the potential for the magnesium membrane to be used as a viable alternative to collagen membranes. Overall, the new magnesium membrane is a functional and safe membrane for the treatment of defects according to the principles of GBR.

For the first time, the clinical application of the first CE registered magnesium membrane is reported. Due to the material characteristics of magnesium metal, new treatment methodologies become possible. This has led to the development of a new technique: the magnesium membrane shield technique, used to rebuild the buccal or palatal walls of compromised extraction sockets. Four clinical cases are reported, demonstrating the handling options of this new technique for providing a successful regenerative outcome. Using the technique, immediate implant placement is possible with a provisional implant in the aesthetic zone. It can also be used for rebuilding both the buccal and palatal walls simultaneously. For instances where additional mechanical support is required, the membrane can be bent into a double layer, which additionally provides a rounder edge for interfacing with the soft tissue. In all reported clinical cases, there was a good bone tissue regeneration and soft tissue healing. In some instances, the new bone had formed a thick cortical bone visible in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) radiographs of the regenerated sites, which is known to be remodeled in the post treatment period. Overall, the magnesium membrane shield technique is presented as an alternative treatment option for compromised extraction sockets.

Nowadays, the most commonly used fixation systems are non-resorbable, but new resorbable magnesium alloy fixation screws have been introduced recently. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the magnesium fixation screw and the commonly used non-resorbable titanium screw in an animal model. Four 3-wall defect sites were covered with collagen membranes in the mandible of twenty beagle dogs (two sites on the left and two on the right). Each membrane was fixed with either four magnesium screws or four titanium screws. Post-operative follow-up revealed the expected observations such as transient inflammation and pain. Both groups showed a good healing response, with no differences between groups. Micro-CT analysis showed no significant difference between groups in terms of BV/TV or soft tissue volume. The void volume in the magnesium fixation screw group continued to decrease on average between the different timepoints, but not significantly. Furthermore, a gradual progression of the degradation process of the magnesium screws was observed in the same group. Magnesium screws and titanium screws showed equal performance in tissue regeneration according to GBR principles. An additional advantage of magnesium screws is their resorbable nature, which eliminates the need for a second surgical step to remove the screws.