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Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor: An Essential Component of Angiogenesis and Fracture Healing

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Abstract

Fractures require adequate stability and blood supply to heal. The vascular supply to long bones is compromised in a fracture, and the ability to heal hinges on the ability of new blood vessels to proliferate from surrounding vessels in a process known as angiogenesis. This process is largely driven by the growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), whose levels are increased locally and systemically during fracture healing. VEGF is involved in many steps throughout the fracture healing cascade, from initially being concentrated in fracture hematoma, to the promotion of bone turnover during the final remodeling phase. This article reviews the current literature surrounding the role of VEGF and other growth factors in reestablishing vascular supply to fractured bone, as well as medications and surgical techniques that may inhibit this process.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, 10021, USA

    Brandon Beamer BA

  2. Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, 10021, USA

    Carolyn Hettrich MD, MPH & Joseph Lane MD

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  1. Brandon Beamer BA
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  2. Carolyn Hettrich MD, MPH
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  3. Joseph Lane MD
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Correspondence to Brandon Beamer BA.

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Each author certifies that he or she has no commercial associations (e.g., consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest, patent/licensing arrangements, etc.) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article.

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Beamer, B., Hettrich, C. & Lane, J. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor: An Essential Component of Angiogenesis and Fracture Healing. HSS Jrnl 6, 85–94 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11420-009-9129-4

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