Elsevier

Medical Hypotheses

Volume 55, Issue 6, December 2000, Pages 474-479
Medical Hypotheses

Regular Article
Surgical harvesting of bone graft from the ilium: point of view

https://doi.org/10.1054/mehy.2000.1095Get rights and content

Abstract

Autologous bone harvested from the ilium is commonly used as a grafting material in surgical reconstructive and arthrodesis procedures to ensure a satisfactory postoperative outcome. However, operative removal of bone from the iliac crest requires an additional surgical procedure with a distinct set of postoperative complications. We provide a comprehensive literature synthesis of the incidence and severity of complications reported to be associated with this commonly practiced procedure. Most severe complications are rare, but chronic pain at the donor site exceeding three months in duration occurs frequently and can be particularly bothersome to patients. Alternative grafting materials that are safe and effective are sorely needed.

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