Harvesting Iliac Crest Bone Graft: A Narrative Review and Cost Analysis

Authors

  • Jaquelyn Kakalecik Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
  • Brittany Raymond Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
  • Wojciech K. Dzieza Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
  • Kevin T. Root College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
  • Kevin A. Hao Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
  • Robert C. Matthias Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
  • Matthew R. Patrick Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
  • Joseph J. King Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55576/job.v5i1.61

Keywords:

bone graft, bone graft substitutes, iliac crest bone graft, nonunion, malunion, arthrodesis, cost, cost utilization

Abstract

Utilization of various bone graft materials has increased in orthopedic surgeries, but autologous bone graft remains the gold standard due to its osteoinductive, osteoconductive, and osteogenic properties, along with its nonimmunogenic nature and histocompatibility. The iliac crest bone graft (ICBG) is a commonly used autologous bone graft site, offering ample bone volume and accessibility. However, selecting the optimal donor site requires consideration of factors such as bone defect size, graft properties, ease of harvest, and patient morbidity. The anterior and posterior iliac crest approaches are commonly utilized, each with its advantages and associated complications. While the anterior approach offers convenience, the posterior approach provides a higher bone graft volume. Moreover, the type of graft harvested (cancellous or corticocancellous) influences its structural properties and immediate support. This review aims to summarize harvest techniques, graft volume, postoperative pain, functional limitations, complications, and cost associated with ICBG.

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Published

2025-01-08

How to Cite

Jaquelyn Kakalecik, Brittany Raymond, Wojciech K. Dzieza, Kevin T. Root, Kevin A. Hao, Robert C. Matthias, Matthew R. Patrick, & Joseph J. King. (2025). Harvesting Iliac Crest Bone Graft: A Narrative Review and Cost Analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic Business, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.55576/job.v5i1.61