Figure 5.

MicroCT 3D reconstructions of mid femoral regions, with a mid‐sagittal reveal showing the associated mid sagittal histology section, stained with hematoxylin and eosin, centered on the osteotomy at ×2.5 magnification, and then enhanced region at ×5 magnification. An example from a non‐treated control animal is shown in the upper images and a VEGF/AMD3100 treated animal in the lower images. The microCT in control groups show limited union with a large gap, which has not been filled‐in with bone. In the control animal there is also evidence of cortical bone resorption although a periosteal callus has formed. The microCT from the VEGF‐AMD3100 group shows almost complete bone union in the periosteal callus, and incomplete union in the endosteal callus, with the osteotomy filled with mostly mineralized tissue. Histology shows that the tissue in the gap of the control animal is composed of cartilage while cartilage is present in the gap in the treated animal there are regions where bone bridges between the fracture ends have formed. The white line encircles a small region of remaining cartilage within the osteotomy in the treated animal.