Iliac bone grafting: review of 160 consecutive cases.

A series of 160 consecutive iliac bone graft cases involving harvesting of either a superior medial, lateral, or full-thickness graft was reviewed to study the associated morbidity. The histories were examined for indication of infection, wound breakdown, pain, blood loss, and length of hospital stay. Although there were few problems associated with any procedure, those patients with superior medial grafts had less blood loss and ambulated earlier. All patients were asked to complete a mail-in questionnaire that reported postoperative pain, neurologic problems, ambulation difficulties, and subjective appearance of the surgical scar. Overall, the patients' acceptance of the procedure and their perception of the outcome was favorable.