Figure 1.

Prevascularized macroporous beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) scaffolds were used to treat a segmental tibia defect in rat (A) Scanning electron micrographs showing the structure of β-TCP scaffolds before (blank) and after in vivo prevascularization (B) Overall schematic diagram illustrating the study design. After implantation into the tibia defect, the prevascularized scaffolds were assessed at the indicated weeks. (C) Photographs showing the positions of blank and vascularized macroporous β-TCP scaffolds implanted into a segmental tibia defect. Far right panel shows an X-ray radiograph of the position of the vascularized macroporous β-TCP scaffold in the bone defect.