Fig. 6

Histological examination in control limbs (a, b, c) and TW (titanium-web) limbs (d-i) 15 weeks after surgery. a Overview picture of the control limb (H.E. staining, 0.63x). The interface tissue was observed around the tendon. b Low-magnification (4x) view of the boxed area in the column of (a). The interface tissue between the tendon and the bone was more mature than at 4 weeks. c High-magnification (20x) view of the boxed area in the column of (b). Several Sharpey-like fibers (arrows) were observed in the interface layer. d Overview picture of the TW limb (H.E. staining, 0.63x). Although the mean tendon and bone ingrowth were greater on the anterior side, there were no significant differences between bone and tendon ingrowth in anterior and posterior sides of the TW. e Low magnification view (1.25x) of the boxed area in the column of (d). f High-magnification (10x) view of the boxed area in the column of (e). Ingrowth of tendon and tendon-like soft tissue into the TW was more prominent than at 4 weeks. g High-magnification (10x) view of the boxed area in the column of (e). Tendon-like soft tissue and bone tissue in TW connected directly. h Villanueva’s Goldner staining. Calcified bone formation was confirmed in TW (20x). i Toluidine blue staining. Fibrocartilage tissue was not observed (20x). B: bone. I: interface tissue. PT: patellar tendon. TW: titanium-web. Bar scale 200 μm