Increased VEGF Expression in the Epiphyseal Cartilage After Ischemic Necrosis of the Capital Femoral Epiphysis

Abstract

VEGF expression was increased, and its spatial expression was altered in the epiphyseal cartilage after ischemic necrosis of the immature femoral head. VEGF upregulation in the proliferative zone after ischemic damage may play a role in stimulating vascular invasion and granulation tissue formation in the necrotic hypertrophic zone of the epiphyseal cartilage. This may be an important step toward facilitating the resorption of the necrotic cartilage and restoration of endochondral ossification leading to further growth and development of the femoral head.