Tubular open-porous β-tricalcium phosphate polycaprolactone scaffolds as guiding structure for segmental bone defect regeneration in a novel sheep model.

Large segmental bone defect reconstruction with sufficient functional restoration is one of the most demanding challenges in orthopaedic surgery. Available regenerative treatment options, as the vascularized bone graft transfer, the Masquelet technique or the Ilizarov distraction osteogenesis, are associated with specific indications and distinct limitations. As an alternative, a hollow cylindrical ceramic-polymer composite scaffold (β-tricalcium phosphate and poly-lactid co-ε- caprolactone), facilitating a strong surface guiding effect for tissue ingrowth (group 1; n = 6) was investigated here.