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Yuan W, Qi W, Hu T, Zhang J, An MY, Zhao G, Wang XP, Li C, Liu Y. Outcomes of RigidFix Cross Pin Fixation in Femoral and Tibial Tunnel for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction. Orthop Surg 2024; 16:337-345. [PMID: 38088239 PMCID: PMC10834228 DOI: 10.1111/os.13934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There is no clear consensus so far on which fixation method is most favorable for the tibial tunnel in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The purpose of this paper is to investigate the outcome of RigidFix cross pins fixation in the tibial tunnel and to explore the advantages of RigidFix applied both in the femoral and tibial tunnel with hamstring tendon graft in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. METHODS This retrospective study included 53 patients (male/female, 45/8) who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using autologous hamstring tendons between January 2013 and December 2017 at our institute. The participants in group A (n = 36) received anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with RigidFix cross pins fixation in both femoral and tibial tunnels, while those in group B (n = 17) with RigidFix cross pins fixation in the femoral tunnel and Interference screw fixation in the tibial tunnel. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score, International Knee Documentation Committee subjective knee form 2000 (IKDC2000) score, Lysholm knee scoring scale, Tegner activity score and the side-to-side difference were compared at 2 and 5 years postoperatively. The graft diameter, number of strands in graft and the average diameter of each strand were also compared between the two groups. The categorical parameters were analyzed by chi-square test and the continuous variables conforming to a normal distribution were analyzed by Student's t-test. RESULTS At 2 years postoperation, the VAS score (1.61 ± 0.55), side-to-side difference (1.50 ± 0.58) in group A were significantly lower than that in group B, and the IKDC2000 score (88.81 ± 3.88), Tegner activity score (6.14 ± 0.60) in group A were significantly higher than that in group B. At 5 years postoperation, the VAS score (1.64 ± 0.68), side-to-side difference (1.73 ± 0.63) in group A were significantly lower than that in group B, and the IKDC2000 score (89.09 ± 3.85), Tegner activity score (6.58 ± 0.94) in group A were slso significantly higher than that in group B. There was statistical difference in the change of the side-to-side difference between the two groups (group A vs. B, 0.22 ± 0.08 vs. 0.34 ± 0.11, p < 0.001). There were also statistical differences in the graft diameter (group A vs. B, 7.83 ± 0.74 vs. 7.41 ± 0.51, p = 0,038), number of strands in graft (5.67 ± 0.72 vs. 4.00 ± 0.00, p < 0.001) and the average diameter of each strand (1.41 ± 0.22 vs. 1.85 ± 0.13, p < 0.001) between the two groups. CONCLUSION RigidFix cross pins fixation in the tibial tunnel for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction can achieve better 5-year results when compared with the interference screw, and the hamstring tendon can be folded into a thicker graft when RigidFix cross pins were applied in both femoral and tibial tunnels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yuan
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Orthopedics, PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Qi
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Hu
- The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Zhang
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | | | - Gang Zhao
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Chunbao Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yujie Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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Feichtinger X, Muji E, Domej MA, Pauzenberger L, Baierl A, Kocijan R, Loho G, Brandl G. Combined press-fit and extracortical fixation in patellar tendon anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction results in reliable graft fixation and early bone block incorporation. Knee 2023; 43:18-27. [PMID: 37210858 DOI: 10.1016/j.knee.2023.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with bone-patellar-tendon-bone (BPTB) autograft has the potential biological advantage of direct bone-to-bone healing over soft tissue grafts. The primary aim of this study was to investigate possible graft slippage and therefore fixation strength in a modified BPTB autograft technique with suspensory fixation on both sides for primary ACL reconstruction until bony integration takes place. METHODS Twenty-one patients undergoing primary ACL reconstruction with a modified BPTB autograft (bone-on-bone (BOB) technique) between August 2017 and August 2019 were included in this prospective study. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the affected knee was performed directly postoperatively, as well as 3 months postoperatively. Examiner-blinded parameters for graft slippage, early tunnel widening, bony incorporation, as well as remodeling of the autologous refilled patellar harvest site were investigated. RESULTS A series of 21 patients treated with a BPTB autograft with this technique underwent two CT investigations. Comparison of CT scans showed no bone block displacement and therefore no graft slippage in the patient cohort. Only one patient showed signs of early tunnel enlargement. Radiological bone block incorporation took place showing bony bridging of the graft to the tunnel wall in 90% of all patients. Furthermore, 90% showed less than 1 mm bone resorption of the refilled harvest site at the patella. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest graft fixation stability and reliability of anatomic BPTB ACL reconstruction with a combined press-fit and suspensory fixation technique by absence of graft slippage within the first 3 months postoperatively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xaver Feichtinger
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery II, Herz-Jesu Hospital Vienna, Austria.
| | - Edin Muji
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery II, Herz-Jesu Hospital Vienna, Austria
| | - Marija Ana Domej
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery II, Herz-Jesu Hospital Vienna, Austria
| | - Leo Pauzenberger
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery II, Herz-Jesu Hospital Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Baierl
- Department of Statistics and Operations Research, The University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Roland Kocijan
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Osteology, 1st Medical Department at Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerald Loho
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery II, Herz-Jesu Hospital Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg Brandl
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery II, Herz-Jesu Hospital Vienna, Austria
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Jernick M, Borden PS, Seager A, McGarry MH, Adamson GJ, Lee TQ. Biomechanical Evaluation of TensionLoc Versus the Double Spike Plate for ACL Graft Tibial Fixation. Orthop J Sports Med 2023; 11:23259671231169198. [PMID: 37255944 PMCID: PMC10226316 DOI: 10.1177/23259671231169198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The optimal tibial fixation of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) grafts remains controversial. Purpose/Hypothesis The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanical characteristics of the TensionLoc (TL) cortical fixation device with the Double Spike Plate (DSP) fixation device for ACL tibial fixation using both bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB) and quadriceps grafts. It was hypothesized that there would be no differences in biomechanical characteristics between the fixation devices regardless of graft type. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods ACLR was performed on 14 matched-pair cadaveric knee specimens-7 pairs using quadriceps grafts (n = 3 male cadaveric knee specimens; n = 4 female cadaveric knee specimens; age, 51 ± 8 years) and 7 pairs using BTB grafts (n = 3 male cadaveric knee specimens; n = 4 female cadaveric knee specimens; age, 50 ± 7 years). One side of each pair was randomized to receive DSP fixation, and the contralateral side received TL fixation. Specimens underwent cyclic ramp loading (10 cycles each at 50-100 N, 50-250 N, and 50-400 N), followed by load-to-failure testing, with the tensile force in line with the tibial tunnel. Results between the 2 fixation types were compared with a paired t test. Results For the quadriceps graft, there were no significant differences in cyclic loading or load-to-failure characteristics between fixation types (P≥ .092 for all parameters). For the BTB graft, TL fixation resulted in higher stiffness than DSP at all cyclic testing cycles except for cycle 1 during 100-N loading and had lower displacement at 250-N loading (3.4 ± 0.1 vs 5.4 ± 0.3 mm; P = .045). For load to failure, TL fixation resulted in higher stiffness than DSP fixation (232 ± 3.1 vs 188.4 ± 6.4 N/mm; P = .046); however, all other load-to-failure parameters were not statistically different (P≥ .135 for all parameters). Conclusion With the quadriceps tendon graft, there were no significant differences in biomechanical characteristics between TL and DSP ACL tibial fixations; however, with BTB grafts, the TL tibial fixation demonstrated greater biomechanical integrity than the DSP tibial fixation. Clinical Relevance The TL fixation device may provide an alternative ACL tibial fixation option for BTB and soft tissue grafts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Jernick
- Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory,
Congress Medical Foundation, Pasadena, California, USA
| | | | - Andorra Seager
- Sports and Spine Orthopaedics,
Torrance, California, USA
| | - Michelle H. McGarry
- Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory,
Congress Medical Foundation, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Gregory J. Adamson
- Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory,
Congress Medical Foundation, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Thay Q. Lee
- Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory,
Congress Medical Foundation, Pasadena, California, USA
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Volz R, Borchert GH. Re-rupture rate and the post-surgical meniscal injury after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with the Press-Fit-Hybrid®-technique in comparison to the interference screw technique: a retrospective analysis of 200 patients with at least 3 years follow-up. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 2023; 143:935-949. [PMID: 35290503 PMCID: PMC9925573 DOI: 10.1007/s00402-022-04368-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is currently no consensus regarding the preferred surgical procedure for the reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The interference screw technique is widely used, but has been associated with a risk of graft damage. The Press-Fit-Hybrid®-technique is one of the alternatives for biological ACL-reconstruction with minimal implant requirements. The hypothesis of this retrospective analysis is, that the Press-Fit-Hybrid®-technique leads to better results with respect to re-rupture rate and secondary meniscal lesion than the interference-screw-technique. METHODS To compare the re-rupture rate of the interference-screw-technique (IF) used until 2015 with the currently used Press-Fit-Hybrid®-technique (PFH), the last 100 patients of the IF-group and the first 100 patients of the PFH-group were retrospectively analyzed. Primary outcomes were re-rupture rate, complications and secondary meniscal injury. Additionally, laxity, Lachman and Pivot-shift and range of motion were evaluated. RESULTS A mean follow-up of 4.2 and 5.3 years revealed 4% and 9% re-rupture rates and 1% and 2% complication rates in the PFH- and IF-group, respectively. In the PFH-group there were no re-ruptures in patients older than 23 years. Secondary meniscal injury post-surgery was 6% and 9% for the PFH and IF-group, respectively. Knee stability was similar in both groups. Range of motion was significantly better in the PFH-group, with 136° of flexion, 6 months after surgery. CONCLUSION For ACL-reconstruction the Press-Fit-Hybrid®-technique is an alternative new method. Low level of secondary meniscal lesions after surgery and high stability, is known to prevent later arthrosis of the knee. The encouraging observed trend of the reduction of the re-rupture rate in revision surgery and in young patients using the Press-Fit-Hybrid®-technique in comparison to the interference-screw-technique must be confirmed with further studies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic Level III, retrospective cohort study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Volz
- Joint Practice Renz' Volz and Loewe, Center for Specialized Joint Surgery, Haegerstraße 4, 88662, Ueberlingen, Germany.
| | - Gudrun H. Borchert
- Dr. Borchert Medical Information Management, Egelsbacher Str. 39e, 63225 Langen, Germany
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Nie S, Zhou S, Huang W. Femoral fixation methods for hamstring graft in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A network meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275097. [PMID: 36137116 PMCID: PMC9499312 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To compare the clinical effectiveness of cortical button (CB), cross-pin (CP) and compression with interference screws (IS) fixation techniques in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using hamstring graft. Methods Studies were systematically retrieved from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science up to May 20, 2021. Primary outcomes were KT-1000 assessment, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score A or B, Lachman’s test, pivot-shift test, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Lysholm score, Tegner score, and Cincinnati Knee Score. Secondary outcomes included reconstruction failures and synovitis. League tables, rank probabilities and forest plots were drawn for efficacy comparison. Results Twenty-six controlled clinical trials (CCTs) with 1,824 patients undergoing ACL reconstruction with hamstring graft were included. No significant differences were found among CB, CP and IS fixation methods regarding the 10 outcomes. For KT-1000 assessment, IKDC score A or B, Lachman’s test, VAS score and pivot-shift test, CP had the greatest probability of becoming the best method, and IS may be the suboptimal method in 4 out of these 5 outcomes except pivot-shift test. Conclusions CP, CB and IS fixations have comparable clinical performance, while CP fixation is most likely to be the optimum fixation technique for hamstring graft in ACL reconstruction. Future larger-sample studies of high quality comparing these techniques in more clinical outcomes are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shixin Nie
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Orthopedic Laboratory of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shuqing Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, The Centre Hospital of Jiangjin, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Orthopedic Laboratory of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- * E-mail:
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Gu F, Zhang J, Sui Z, Zhang K, Xie X, Yu T. Minimally Invasive Percutaneous TightRope® System Fixation for an Unstable Posterior Pelvic Ring: Clinical Follow-up and Biomechanical Studies. Orthop Surg 2022; 14:1078-1092. [PMID: 35470582 PMCID: PMC9163799 DOI: 10.1111/os.13261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the mechanical stability and clinical efficacy of minimally invasive percutaneous TightRope® systems applied via gun‐shaped reduction forceps for unstable posterior pelvic ring fractures. Materials and methods This study consists of two parts: a clinical retrospective study and a randomized controlled biomechanical test. For the clinical study, a retrospective analysis of posterior pelvic ring fractures was performed between June 2015 and May 2020. Eighteen patients underwent surgery using two TightRope® systems to fix a broken posterior pelvic ring because of unstable AO type C1 and C2 pelvic ring fractures. The patients were followed up for at least 2 years, and all patients were evaluated using the Majeed scoring system and vertical displacement. In the biomechanical tests, six embalmed adult pelvic specimens were used. The fractures were subjected to TightRope®, IS screw, and TBP fixation in a randomized block design. The specimens were placed in a biomechanical testing machine in a standing neutral posture. A cyclic vertical load of up to 500 N was applied, and the displacement of the specimens was recorded by the testing machine. The ultimate load in each group of specimens was recorded. The displacement and ultimate load were compared and analyzed by statistical methods. Results At a mean follow‐up of 38.89 ± 8.72 months, the functional Majeed score was excellent in 14 patients and good in four patients. The final radiological examinations showed that the outcome was excellent in 14 patients and good in four patients. In these patients, no serious clinical complications were found. Weight‐bearing was delayed in four patients. In biomechanical tests, the displacement of the specimens fixed with TightRope® was significantly lower than that of the specimens fixed with TBP (P < 0.05) when the load ranged from 300 to 500 N. The displacement in the IS screw group was significantly lower than that in either the TBP or TightRope® group (P < 0.05) when the load ranged from 0 to 500 N. The ultimate load in the IS screw group (1798 ± 83.53 N) was significantly greater than that in the TBP group (1352 ± 74.41 N) (t = 9.78, P < 0.0001) and the TightRope® group (1347 ± 54.28 N) (t = 11.11, P < 0.0001). However, no significant difference was observed between the TightRope® and TBP groups (t = 0.13, P = 0.90). Conclusion Percutaneous posterior TightRope® system shows strong stability in mechanical experiments and shows good results in clinical follow‐up while this system has certain advantages in lower surgical requirements and lower risk of related nerve and vascular structural damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Gu
- Department of Orthopaedics, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiting Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhenjiang Sui
- Department of Orthopaedics, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaoping Xie
- Department of Orthopaedics, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Tiecheng Yu
- Department of Orthopaedics, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Ribeiro VP, Costa JB, Carneiro SM, Pina S, Veloso ACA, Reis RL, Oliveira JM. Bioinspired Silk Fibroin-Based Composite Grafts as Bone Tunnel Fillers for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14040697. [PMID: 35456531 PMCID: PMC9029049 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14040697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) replacement is still a big challenge in orthopedics due to the need to develop bioinspired implants that can mimic the complexity of bone-ligament interface. In this study, we propose biomimetic composite tubular grafts (CTGs) made of horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-cross-linked silk fibroin (SF) hydrogels containing ZnSr-doped β-tricalcium phosphate (ZnSr-β-TCP) particles, as promising bone tunnel fillers to be used in ACL grafts (ACLGs) implantation. For comparative purposes, plain HRP-cross-linked SF hydrogels (PTGs) were fabricated. Sonication and freeze-drying methodologies capable of inducing crystalline β-sheet conformation were carried out to produce both the CTGs and PTGs. A homogeneous microstructure was achieved from microporous to nanoporous scales. The mechanical properties were dependent on the inorganic powder’s incorporation, with a superior tensile modulus observed on the CTGs (12.05 ± 1.03 MPa) as compared to the PTGs (5.30 ± 0.93 MPa). The CTGs presented adequate swelling properties to fill the space in the bone structure after bone tunnel enlargement and provide a stable degradation profile under low concentration of protease XIV. The in vitro studies revealed that SaOs-2 cells adhered, proliferated and remained viable when cultured into the CTGs. In addition, the bioactive CTGs supported the osteogenic activity of cells in terms of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) production, activity, and relative gene expression of osteogenic-related markers. Therefore, this study is the first evidence that the developed CTGs hold adequate structural, chemical, and biological properties to be used as bone tunnel fillers capable of connecting to the ACL tissue while stimulating bone tissue regeneration for a faster osteointegration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana P. Ribeiro
- 3B’s Research Group, I3Bs—Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics of University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal; (S.P.); (R.L.R.); (J.M.O.)
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- Correspondence: (V.P.R.); (J.B.C.)
| | - João B. Costa
- 3B’s Research Group, I3Bs—Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics of University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal; (S.P.); (R.L.R.); (J.M.O.)
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- Correspondence: (V.P.R.); (J.B.C.)
| | - Sofia M. Carneiro
- Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra (ISEC), Departamento de Engenharia Química e Biológica (DEQB), Rua Pedro Nunes, Quinta da Nora, 3030-199 Coimbra, Portugal; (S.M.C.); (A.C.A.V.)
| | - Sandra Pina
- 3B’s Research Group, I3Bs—Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics of University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal; (S.P.); (R.L.R.); (J.M.O.)
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Ana C. A. Veloso
- Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra (ISEC), Departamento de Engenharia Química e Biológica (DEQB), Rua Pedro Nunes, Quinta da Nora, 3030-199 Coimbra, Portugal; (S.M.C.); (A.C.A.V.)
- CEB—Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Rui L. Reis
- 3B’s Research Group, I3Bs—Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics of University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal; (S.P.); (R.L.R.); (J.M.O.)
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Joaquim M. Oliveira
- 3B’s Research Group, I3Bs—Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics of University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, Barco, 4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal; (S.P.); (R.L.R.); (J.M.O.)
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
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