Morbidity from iliac crest bone harvesting

Abstract

Purpose: The iliac crest is the most common donor site for autogenous bone grafting in maxillofacial surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate retrospectively the morbidity of bone harvesting from the inner table of the anterior iliac crest.

Patients and methods: Sixty-five patients were recalled 1 to 4 years after iliac crest bone harvesting. The morbidity as well as the patient's satisfaction were evaluated by a survey of the medical record, a mail-in questionnaire, and a standardized physical examination.

Results: There was good acceptance of this bone harvesting procedure, and the morbidity was low.

Conclusion: Bone harvesting from the inner table of the anterior iliac crest is a good option for reconstructing bone defects.