Fig. 12.16.2
A low-magnitude photomicrograph under polarized light illustrating the degradation of a polyglycolide screw 12 weeks after implantation in the cancellous bone of distal rabbit femur. Intense new bone formation is seen along the tissue–implant interface outlining the original screw profile. Remnants of the polymer have also migrated outside the implant cavity, which is filled with disintegrating polymer (asterisk).