FIG. 7.

Representative gross appearance and x-ray images of rat caudal spines at 12 weeks after operation: normal control (A, E), sham control (B, F), NF scaffold group (C, G), and SW scaffold group (D, H). A translucent matrix in the central area and a well-preserved disc height in the NF scaffold group indicated good NP regeneration. The x-ray results indicated that the disc height in the NF scaffold group was similar to that in the normal control group. The SW scaffold group showed disc degenerative characteristics with significantly narrowed disc height. In the sham control group, the disc space almost disappeared and an intervertebral fusion was observed. Color images available online at www.liebertpub.com/tea