Complications associated with harvesting autogenous iliac bone graft

The harvesting of an autogenous iliac bone graft is a frequently performed orthopedic procedure. Although often regarded as the simple or routine part of bone graft requiring surgery, complications are not necessarily uncommon. Documented donor-site complications include nerve, arterial, or urethral injury; chronic donor-site pain; cosmetic deformity; herniation of abdominal contents; sacroiliac joint instability; pelvic fractures; gait disturbances; hematoma; infection; peritoneal perforation; and hip subluxation. Most of these complications are avoidable when the surgeon is aware of their possibility and is familiar with the involved anatomy and preferred surgical approaches.