Vascularized pedicled iliac crest graft for selected total hip acetabular reconstructions: a cadaver study

Bone grafting is an essential part of most total hip acetabular reconstructions. There are a limited number of surgical options, each with inherent disadvantages for the management of structural acetabular defects. In this cadaver study, the authors aimed to evaluate the availability of vascularized pedicled iliac crest graft for the purpose of acetabular reconstruction. The hip joints, ilia and deep circumflex iliac artery pedicles of six adult preserved cadavers were dissected bilaterally. A segment of the iliac crest was elevated on the vascular pedicle and its access to different parts of the acetabulum was evaluated. The average pedicle length was sufficient for coverage of the superior and anterior acetabular walls. The access to the posterior wall, however, required modification of the bone size. A vascularized pedicled iliac crest graft is suitable for the reconstruction of selected acetabular deficiencies.