Fractures of the iliac crest after split-thickness bone grafting for preprosthetic surgery: report of 3 cases and review of the literature

Fractures of the iliac crest after split-thickness bone grafting for preprosthetic surgery: report of 3 cases and review of the literature
July 2004
Steven A. Zijderveld, DDS, MD * *
Christiaan M. ten Bruggenkate, DDS, MD, PhD ÇƒÜ
Johan P.A. van Den Bergh, DDS, PhD Çƒ?
Egbert A.J.M. Schulten, DDS, MD, PhD ¨?
Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Online
Abstract
Purpose In this study fractures of the iliac crest after split-thickness bone grafting in a patient population treated for preprosthetic reasons were evaluated.
Patients and 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.
Publishing and Reprint Information
*Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Vrije Universiteit Medical Center, Academic Center for Dentistry, Amsterdam, and St Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
ÇƒÜOral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Vrije Universiteit Medical Center, Academic Center for Dentistry, Amsterdam, and Rijnland Hospital, Leiderdorp, The Netherlands
Çƒ?Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Vrije Universiteit Medical Center, Academic Center for Dentistry, Amsterdam, and St Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
¨?Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Vrije Universiteit Medical Center, Academic Center for Dentistry, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
*Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr Zijderveld: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Vrije Universiteit Medical Center, PO Box 7057, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Email: s.be@Antonius.net
Email address: s.be@Antonius.net
Copyright ¨© 2004 by American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
doi: 10.1016/j.joms.2003.12.018
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