Analysis of donor site complications at the anterior iliac crest harvest site for treatment of tibial plateau fractures

Introduction: In tibial plateau fractures with intraarticular depression and metaphyseal comminution, bone grafting or the use of a bone substitute may be required. Harvesting autologous iliac crest bone graft for other orthopedic procedures has complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the complication rate after harvesting bone graft as used for the treatment of tibial plateau fractures. Patients and methods: Patients treated in a tertiary care hospital with operative intervention for tibial plateau fractures with iliac crest bone graft between January 2015 and December 2018 were included in this retrospective study. Patients’ records were evaluated and clinical evaluation was performed at follow-up. Results: 46 patients (20 females, 26 males, mean age 55.2±14.9 years) were included in this study. Follow-up was mean 4.3±1.2 years. Only minor complications such as hematoma could be identified; in one patient, repeat surgery for bleeding was performed. No nerve injuries, long-term pain, fractures, infections or wound healing disturbances could be seen. The use of a drain, the type of wound closure or amount of harvested bone did not influence complication rate. Conclusion: This study shows that harvesting of iliac crest bone graft for the treatment of tibial plateau fractures is a safe procedure with a very low complication rate.  Keywords: Tibial plateau fractures Iliac crest bone graft Donor site complications