Vessel-like structures in the callus cartilage
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Updated: Nov 8, 2026

Optical Sectioning and Visualization of the Intervertebral Disc from Embryonic Development to Degeneration
Published on: July 8, 2021
1University Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Glenfield General Hospital, Leicester, UK.
Abstract:
The recent claim that the callus cartilage contained vessel-like structures has been investigated by new immunocytochemical methods. The fracture callus was exposed to monoclonal antibodies which recognized damaged or regenerating endothelial cells. The proteolytic enzyme urokinase which is expressed by migrating endothelium was also studied. No vascular structures were identified by these methods which suggests that the callus cartilage is truly avascular.
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