Recombinant human vascular endothelial growth factor enhances bone healing in an experimental nonunion model.
The re-establishment of vascularity is an early event in fracture healing; upregulation of angiogenesis may therefore promote the formation of bone. We have investigated the capacity of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to stimulate the formation of bone in an experimental atrophic nonunion model. Three groups of eight rabbits underwent a standard nonunion operation. This was followed by interfragmentary deposition of 100 microg VEGF, carrier alone or autograft. After seven weeks, torsional failure tests and callus size confirmed that VEGF-treated osteotomies had united whereas the carrier-treated osteotomies failed to unite. The biomechanical properties of the groups treated with VEGF and autograft were identical. There was no difference in bone blood flow. We considered that VEGF stimulated the formation of competent bone in an environment deprived of its normal vascularisation and osteoprogenitor cell supply. It could be used to enhance the healing of fractures predisposed to nonunion.
Eckardt
H
H
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Aalborg Hospital, Box 365, 9100 Aalborg, Denmark. henrikeckardt@mail.dk
Ding
M
M
Lind
M
M
Hansen
E S
ES
Christensen
K S
KS
Hvid
I
I
D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002146:Bony Callus / Q000473:pathology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D017102:Fracture Healing / Q000187:drug effects*; D005599:Fractures, Ununited / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D011817:Rabbits; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000187:drug effects; D013977:Tibia / Q000098:blood supply; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A