Effects of transpositional muscle flaps transfected with vascular endothelial growth factor gene in the treatment of experimental osteomyelitis.

Background: Based on the angiogenetic and stimulating effects of bone healing and formation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the present study was designed to assess the efficacy of VEGF gene application in the management of experimentally induced osteomyelitis.

Methods: Thirty-two male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups, and osteomyelitis was induced in the left tibial bones. Group 1 (n=8) was designated as a control group, and, after the induction of osteomyelitis, no treatment was applied for a period of 4 weeks.