Objective To study the degradation behavior and mechanical properties of magnesium alloy plate on treatment of tibial fracture in New Zealand rabbits. Methods Thirty-six adult New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into experimental group (magnesium alloy bone plate group, n=18) and control group (titanium alloy bone plate group, n=18). Tibial fractures in experimental group and control group were fixed with magnesium alloy bone plate and titanium alloy bone plate, respectively. After operation, X-ray, scanning electron microscopy, energy spectrum analysis, weight loss test and four-point bending test were performed in each group to analyze the degradation behavior and mechanical properties of magnesium alloy plate after tibial fracture treatment. Results Magnesium alloy bone plate could be degraded gradually in vivo. The degradation of magnesium alloy bone plate was deepened gradually with the implantation time, and the surface was corroded uniformly. The mechanical properties of magnesium alloy bone plate decreased gradually with the degradation in vivo. Conclusions Magnesium alloy bone plate can degrade gradually with fracture healing in vivo, and its mechanical properties gradually decline, but it can still meet the requirements of fracture internal fixation, and is a kind of good new degradable orthopedic implant material.