Iliac crest morbidity following maxillofacial bone grafting in children: A clinical and radiographic prospective study

Bone harvesting from the anterior iliac crest is commonly performed for grafting of maxillofacial defects.

Purpose

To evaluate the morbidity of the procedure in children and adolescents with clefts or maxillofacial defects after tumour removal.

Patients and methods

Between 2001 and 2008 36 consecutive patients who underwent iliac crest bone grafting using the trap-door technique were evaluated 6 months to 7 years postoperatively. Objective and subjective findings regarding the donor site mostly but also the recipient site were assessed by a standardized physical and radiological examination and a questionnaire. The donor site scar, neurosensory and motility function were evaluated clinically and osseous healing was investigated through radiographic examination of the ilium.

Results

All respondent patients (29 out of the 36) tolerated the procedure well without major complications. Minor complications (mild pain and limp) were of short duration. No growth disturbances or contour deficits at the donor site were noted. No neurosensory or functional irregularities were detected. The donor site scar was considered aesthetically acceptable and most of the patients were satisfied with the functional outcome at the recipient site.

Conclusions

Bone harvesting from the anterior iliac crest was found to be a safe and reliable procedure for maxillofacial bone grafting in paediatric patients. No complications were encountered, the morbidity was minimal and the aesthetic outcome was good.