Fractures of the iliac crest after split-thickness bone grafting for preprosthetic surgery: report of 3 cases and review of the literature.
OBJECTIVE
In this study fractures of the iliac crest after split-thickness bone grafting in a patient population treated for preprosthetic reasons were evaluated.


METHODS
In a retrospective patient population of 146 patients, during a 5-year period (1998 to 2002), 3 avulsion fractures of the iliac crest were noticed. All fractures were postsurgical, occurring as late fractures. A review of the literature regarding etiology, clinical characteristics, and results of treatment is given.


RESULTS
In all 3 cases treatment was conservative, consisting of a period of bed rest followed by progressive ambulation. Further recovery was uneventful.


CONCLUSIONS
According to this patient population and the literature, late fracture of the iliac crest after split-thickness bone grafting is an uncommon complication. We recommend a harvesting and grafting technique at an appropriate distance from the iliac spine with an oscillating saw. Treatment of an iliac crest fracture is almost always conservative.
Zijderveld
Steven A
SA
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Vrije Universiteit Medical Center, Academic Dentistry, Amsterdam. s.be@Antonius.net
ten Bruggenkate
Christiaan M
CM
van Den Bergh
Johan P A
JP
Schulten
Egbert A J M
EA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000540:Alveolar Ridge Augmentation; D001284:Atrophy; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007085:Ilium / Q000293:injuries*; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery; D008437:Maxilla / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting / Q000009:adverse effects*