title: [Bone harvesting from the iliac crest].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Autogenous bone grafts from the iliac crest are frequently harvested for autologous bone transplantation. Although an autologous bone transplant does improve the local bone healing potency, significant donor site morbidity must be considered.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this study we elucidate special bone harvesting techniques from the iliac crest and review the literature related to clinical significance of donor site morbidity. Furthermore, our own experiences are compared and discussed critically with relevant data of other investigators.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The increasing number of scientific publications which focus on bone harvesting techniques and related complications in recent years indicate the high interest and relevance of this issue. There is a tendency to alternatives such as biomaterials as bone substitutes, whereas the role of growth factors and cell therapeutics in the treatment of bony defects are still being evaluated in clinical studies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although autologous, heterotopic bone transplantation is still the gold standard in the treatment of bony defects, there is a tendency towards the application of biomaterials, stem cells, and growth factors. Conscientious observation of relevant anatomic considerations during bone harvesting procedures may help to avoid complications.
authors.affiliation: Orthopädische Klinik, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Düsseldorf.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jäger
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Westhoff
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wild
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Krauspe
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000008:administration & dosage; D018786:Bone Substitutes / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D002648:Child; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007085:Ilium; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010027:Osteotomy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D018786:Bone Substitutes