Biodegradable Metallic Wires in Dental and Orthopedic Applications: A Review

Owing to significant advantages of bioactivity and biodegradability, biodegradable metallic materials such as magnesium, iron, and zinc and their alloys have been widely studied over recent years. Metallic wires with superior tensile strength and proper ductility can be fabricated by a traditional metalworking process (drawing). Drawn biodegradable metallic wires are popular biodegradable materials, which are promising in different clinical applications such as orthopedic fixation, surgical staples, cardiovascular stents, and aneurysm occlusion. This paper presents recent advances associated with the application of biodegradable metallic wires used in dental and orthopedic fields. Furthermore, the effects of some parameters such as the surface modification, alloying elements, and fabrication process affecting the degradation rate as well as biocompatibility, bioactivity, and mechanical stability are reviewed in the most recent works pertaining to these materials. Finally, possible pathways for future studies regarding the production of more efficient biodegradable metallic wires in the regeneration of bone defects are also proposed.