Evaluation of Endothelial and Vascular-Derived Progenitor Cell Populations in the Proximal and Distal UCL of the Elbow: A Comparative Study

Abstract

These findings investigate one of the possible contributors to UCL healing after injury, which may provide insight into operative and nonoperative management of UCL injuries in the future. This study also indicates that reasons other than differences in progenitor cell density alone may explain the clinical healing differences seen between proximal and distal UCL tears. A better understanding of the microvascular environment and associated blood supply is warranted to understand the healing capability of the UCL.