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Published on: May 25, 2012
Complete pelvic ring failure after posterior iliac bone graft harvesting
T L Fernando1, S S Kim, D G Mohler
1Cornell University Medical College, Ithaca, New York, USA.
Spine
|October 30, 1999
Summary
Posterior iliac bone graft harvesting can lead to severe pelvic fractures, especially in patients with osteoporosis. Careful consideration of risk factors is crucial to prevent debilitating complications.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Bone grafting techniques
- Complication management
Background:
- Iliac bone graft harvesting is a common spinal surgery procedure.
- Complications, such as iliac fracture, can occur.
- Osteopenia is a risk factor, particularly in older women.
Observation:
- A rare, severe complication of posterior iliac bone graft harvesting is presented.
- The patient had steroid-induced osteoporosis, leading to multiple pelvic fractures and nonunions.
- Imaging revealed osteoporotic bone and pelvic ring structural collapse.
Findings:
- Staged sequential platings were used to stabilize the pelvis.
- Hardware failure occurred on the left iliac wing.
- The right iliac wing was successfully fixed with plates, bone cement, and allograft.
Implications:
- Caution is advised when harvesting autografts in patients with osteoporosis risk factors.
- Iliac bone graft harvesting complications can be debilitating.
- Further research into managing such complications in at-risk populations is warranted.
