Comparing the osteoconductive potential between tubular and cylindrical beta-tricalcium phosphate scaffolds: An experimental study in rats.

Beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) has been widely used for bone regeneration for many years. However, there are few studies on the osteoconduction ability of different shaped β-TCP scaffolds. In this study, we compared the osteoconductive potential between the tubular and cylindrical β-TCP scaffolds in long bone defect animal model. The results showed that more regenerated bone and a better healing property were observed in tubular group than that in cylindrical group. By hematoxylin-eosin staining, the central part of the callus was more compacted in tubular group. And moreover, the increased osteocalcin and osterix expression were found in tubular group, suggesting more vigorous regeneration of bone defect. These results demonstrated that tubular β-TCP scaffold would be more benefit to promote bone regeneration, indicating that tubular β-TCP scaffold has a good potential for long bone defect repair in clinical practice.