Activity of Selected Bone Formation and Angiogenesis Markers During the Treatment of Limb Length Discrepancy in...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Biochemistry
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Limb lengthening and deformity correction are advancing in pediatric orthopedics.
• Distraction osteogenesis is a key technique for bone regeneration.
• Understanding biochemical markers during this process is crucial for optimizing treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate temporal changes in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF-1), and propeptide of type I collagen (P1NP) during pediatric limb lengthening.
• To evaluate the role of these markers in bone regeneration during distraction osteogenesis.

Main Methods:

• Twenty pediatric patients (13-16 years) underwent distraction osteogenesis using a Circular Hexapod External Fixator.
• Peripheral blood samples were collected at three time points: pre-treatment, three weeks post-distraction initiation, and one month post-lengthening.
• Marker levels were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Main Results:

• VEGF levels significantly increased during treatment, peaking at three weeks post-distraction initiation, then declining.
• FGF-1 showed minor initial fluctuations but a significant increase by one month post-lengthening.
• P1NP concentrations demonstrated a linear increase, with a significant rise from three weeks post-distraction to one month post-lengthening, indicating sustained osteoblastic activity.

Conclusions:

• VEGF, FGF-1, and P1NP exhibit dynamic changes throughout distraction osteogenesis in pediatric patients.
• These biochemical markers serve as indicators of bone regeneration and healing during limb lengthening.
• Findings enhance understanding of bone healing mechanisms and may guide future therapeutic strategies in pediatric orthopedics.