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Iliac crest bone graft. Osteotome versus saw
A A Jones1, P J Dougherty, N A Sharkey
1Denver Orthopaedic Clinic, Colorado.
Spine
|October 15, 1993
Summary
Saw-harvested iliac crest grafts are stronger and stiffer than osteotome-harvested grafts. This study recommends using oscillating saws for harvesting bone grafts in spine fusion procedures.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
- Anatomy
Background:
- Iliac crest bone grafts are commonly used in spine fusion.
- Graft harvesting techniques can influence bone graft biomechanical properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the strength and stiffness of iliac crest bone grafts harvested using an oscillating saw versus an osteotome.
- To identify factors influencing graft biomechanical properties.
Main Methods:
- Matched pairs of Smith-Robinson iliac crest grafts were harvested from five fresh frozen cadavers using either a saw or an osteotome.
- Grafts were subjected to axial compression testing to failure.
- Load-displacement curves were analyzed to determine yield load, ultimate load, and stiffness.
Main Results:
- Saw-harvested grafts demonstrated significantly greater strength and stiffness compared to osteotome-harvested grafts.
- Grafts from the middle third of the iliac crest were stronger.
- Grafts from younger donors exhibited higher strength.
Conclusions:
- Oscillating saw harvesting yields superior biomechanical properties for iliac crest bone grafts compared to osteotome harvesting.
- Graft site and donor age are significant factors affecting bone graft strength.
- The oscillating saw is recommended for harvesting iliac crest grafts for spine fusion.