Magnesium is known mainly for its light weight, but in recent years it has received considerable attention for a much different reason: the ability to be absorbed by the human body. Being a necessary nutrient, the body has natural ways of breaking down metallic magnesium over time. This means that in many medical devices, the inert stainless steel or titanium currently used could be replaced by magnesium. Doing so would have the potential to reduce long-term complications and eliminate secondary procedures. It may also enable new applications that broaden the scope of medical treatment.