Purpose This research explores the potential of magnesium (Mg) composite material with carbonate apatite (CAp) ceramic reinforcement as a candidate for bioabsorbable implant material, especially for ligament interference screws (IFS). Design/methodology/approach Mg-CAp composites have been developed through powder metallurgy and extrusion processes with an extrusion ratio (R) of nine with four compositions based on wt.% of CAp, namely Mg-0CAp, Mg-5CAp, Mg-8CAp and Mg-10CAp. Material characterization is carried out through tensile testing to obtain the modulus of elasticity and is used for finite element analysis (FEA) of the IFS ligament design, including torsion and pullout testing. Findings The FEA test results show that Mg-5CAp and Mg-8CAp materials fulfill the criteria for being candidates for ligament IFS materials with safety factor values ranging from 1.25 to 2. Practical implications These findings support the potential application of Mg-CAp materials in the context of orthopedic implant development. Originality/value This research explores Mg-xCAp, developed through powder metallurgy and extrusion, with an extrusion ratio (R) of 9, and 4 compositional variations (in wt.% of CAp), as a potential IFS implant material for ligament applications. © 2025 Emerald Publishing Limited