Figure 7

The use of mPCL-CaP scaffolds for spinal fusion. (1) (A) Micro-computed tomography (m-CT) image of a biodegradable mPCL-TCP scaffold. (B) Representative scanning electron microscopy image at 100×magnification. (2) Image of scaffold prior to implantation. (3) Pictorial series demonstrating the implantation process of a PCL-based scaffold: (A) Cleared intervertebral disc space prepared for implantation. (B) Implantation process of scaffold into prepared intervertebral disc space. Scaffold being inserted into prepared intervertebral space. (C) Scaffold in situ within a predefined intervertebral disc space. (D) Internal fixation with a 5.5mm titanium rod and two vertebral screws stabilize the treatment level. (4) Representative reconstructed parasagittal CT images at 6 months demonstrating radiologically evident high fusion levels of (A) the recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) plus calcium phosphate (CaP)-coated PCLbased scaffold and (B) autograft groups, while lower fusion levels were seen in the (C) CaP-coated PCL-based scaffold alone group. (5) Representative histological (longitudinal) sections of specimen at 6 months post surgery from PCL-based scaffold plus rhBMP-2 group exhibiting well aligned columns of mineralized bone (indicated by letters “col”) seen interdigitating with struts of the scaffold filaments (indicated by letters “SC”). Reproduced with permission from (233), © Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.