In Vivo and In Vitro Study of a Polylactide-Fiber-Reinforced β-Tricalcium Phosphate Composite Cage in an Ovine Anterior Cervical Intercorporal Fusion Model

Figure 2

(a–c) Lateral plain X-rays showing aligned vertebrae at 6-month time point ((a) for control implant and (b)-(c) for composite implants). (d) Sagittal CT at the center of the control implant shows an advanced fusion. (e) Sagittal CT image shows no implant to bone contact or fusion of the adjacent vertebral bodies of the composite implant. (f) Sagittal CT image at the centre of the composite implant showed fragmentation of the implant but no migration to the spinal canal and malunion of the vertebras. (g) Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining of a sagittal section at the centre of the control implant shows bone ingrowth through the implant and signs of dark fine granule surrounding the implant suggesting metallosis. (h)-(i) A dense fibrotic capsule and a mild foreign body reaction surrounded the composite implants, and no bone contact was found.