ObjectiveTo summarize the research and application progress of magnesium and magnesium alloys implants in the orthopedics. MethodsThe domestic and foreign related literature about the research progress and application of magnesium and magnesium alloys implants in the orthopedics was reviewed. ResultsCurrently approved and commonly used metallic implants in orthopedics include stainless steels, titanium alloys, and chromium alloys having many disadvantages of poor biocompatibility, mismatch with the biomechanical properties of the bone tissue, and need of second surgical procedure to remove. Compared with traditional implants, magnesium and magnesium alloys have biomechanical properties closer to natural bone tissue, and in vivo degradation, which have the potential to serve as new biocompatible and degradable implants. Although magnesium and magnesium alloy materials have their own advantages, but the degradation rate is still too fast and so on. At present, the research and development of medical magnesium and magnesium alloy materials are to improve their corrosion resistance and control the rate of degradation. ConclusionMagnesium and magnesium alloys have great potential as a implant material in the orthopedics, through further systematic and in-depth study, it is expected to become a new generation of degradation biological implant materials.