Figure 9
ADCNCs/SF/PEEK injectable hydrogels drastically increased bone formation after 8 weeks, as proved by CBCT. The almost full closure occurred in ADCNCs/SF/PEEK group, while ADCNCs/SF group caused less bone volume in the defect area. Bone volume (mm3) was measured in defects sites of all samples. The significant difference was between ADCNCs/SF/PEEK groups with control. Control: critical-sized bone defects without any treatment, ADCNCs/SF: critical-sized bone defects filled with hydrogel without PEEK, ADCNCs/SF/PEEK: critical-sized bone defects filled with the hydrogel containing PEEK (*P < 0.05).
