Fig. 8

Representative histological sections of LV/CM composites in the transverse plane. a CT image of LV/CM composite. The red line indicates the location of the coronal section in the mid-section between L5 and L6. b Low (×2)-magnification image of a transverse histological section. White arrows point to residual CM particles, and yellow arrows point to the new bone formed as part of the fusion body between the two transverse processes at the mid-section. Cells are stained blue, residual MG is black, bone is red, and fibrous tissue is green. c High (×20)-magnification images showing new bone formation on the surface of the CM particles. NB denotes new bone, and CM represents residual ceramic particles. d, e High (×20)-magnification images of bone growth d within and e away from the fusion mass. Arrows point to bone lining, osteoblast-like cells