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. In combination with an additional autologous, cancellous bone graft filling, the scaffold's ability to work as an open‐porous membrane to improve the defect healing process was analysed (group 2; n = 6). A novel model of a critical size (40 mm) tibia osteotomy defect stabilized with an external hybrid‐ring fixator, was established in sheep. Segmental defect regeneration and tissue organization in relation to the scaffold were analysed radiologically, (immune‐) histologically, and with second‐harmonic generation imaging 12 weeks after surgery. The scaffold's tubular shape and open‐porous structure controlled the collagen fibre orientation within the bone defect and guided the following mineralization process along the scaffold surface. In combination with the osteoinductive stimulus, a unilateral bony bridging of the critically sized defect was achieved in one third of the animals. The external hybrid‐ring fixator was appropriate for large segmental defect stabilization in sheep.