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Computed Tomography and Optical Imaging of Osteogenesis-angiogenesis Coupling to Assess Integration of Cranial Bone Autografts and Allografts
Published on: December 22, 2015
Analysis of iliac crest bone grafting process measures
Aman Dhawan1, Timothy R Kuklo, David W Polly
1Uniformed Services of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
American Journal of Orthopedics (Belle Mead, N.J.)
|August 25, 2006
Summary
Autogenous iliac crest bone graft (ICBG) harvesting is a standard spinal fusion technique. This study establishes a normative database for ICBG harvesting, detailing blood loss, time, volume, and sacroiliac joint violation rates.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Spinal Surgery
- Bone Grafting
Background:
- Autogenous iliac crest bone graft (ICBG) is the gold standard for spinal fusion.
- Bone graft substitutes are emerging, necessitating scrutiny of ICBG costs and benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a normative database for posterior autogenous ICBG harvesting using process measures.
- To provide a benchmark for future comparative studies and analyses of bone graft substitutes.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study of 36 patients undergoing posterior autogenous ICBG harvesting.
- Utilized the "trephine curettage" technique via a separate skin incision.
- Postoperative CT scans were used to assess sacroiliac (SI) joint violation.
Main Results:
- Mean estimated blood loss (EBL) for harvesting was 71 mL.
- Mean harvest time was 37 minutes, yielding a mean volume of 38 mL.
- SI joint violation occurred in 3% of patients, with visualization in 81%.
Conclusions:
- The established database provides a prospective benchmark for ICBG harvesting metrics.
- This study is the first to report routine use of postoperative CT for SI joint violation assessment.
- Findings support the continued evaluation of ICBG harvesting in the context of bone graft alternatives.

