Fig. 3

Rabbits with fractures fixed by Mg plates shown no signs of biotoxicity. Internal fixation was performed on the right tibia of six-month-old female Japanese white rabbits in either the Ti (group T) or Mg (group M) plate groups (7 rabbits each). Body weight of each rabbit was measured preoperatively and 12 weeks later, and changes were monitored (A). Graph shows the mean body weight change ± s.d. at 12 weeks postoperatively relative to preoperative body weight (n = 7, NS, not significant). Peripheral blood was collected preoperatively and at 1 and 12 weeks later, and blood Mg levels were assessed. Graph shows mean changes in blood Mg levels ± s.d. at 1 (B) or 12 (C) weeks postoperatively (PO) relative to preoperative levels (n = 7, NS, not significant).