Figure 3.

Prevascularized macroporous β-TCP scaffolds accelerated bone consolidation during osteogenesis in rats with a segmental tibial defect (A) Mechanical properties (E-modulus, ultimate load, energy to failure, and max stress) of the site in and around the tibial defect 8 weeks after implantation of a blank or prevascularized scaffold. The values were normalized to the corresponding contralateral normal tibias. n ​= ​3 in each group (B) Representative X-ray images (lateral view) of the bone defect after 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of consolidation. Bright white angular area represents the metal unilateral external fixator. n ​= ​9 in each group. Scale bar, 5 ​mm (C) Three-dimensional reconstructions of micro-CT images after 8 weeks of consolidation (left panels) and histograms showing different mechanical parameters of bone tissue mineralization at the indicated indices measured at three different thresholds. Attenuation above 158 represents total mineralized tissue, and attenuation between 158 and 211 represents the newly formed calluses. n ​= ​3 in each group. BV/TV, bone volume/tissue volume; Conn-Dens, connectivity density; Tb. Sp, trabecular separation; Tb.N, trabecular number; Tb.Th, trabecular thickness; BMD, bone mineral density. Significant differences were evaluated by Student's t tests; ∗p ​< ​0.05; ∗∗p ​< ​0.01.