Ambulatory in-office anterior iliac crest bone harvesting

ObjectiveA prospective study was performed to evaluate the harvesting of autologous bone within the private practice environment, using either a power-driven trephine or corticocancellous block harvesting, and to assess the clinical safety, postoperative morbidity, and patient satisfaction associated with this application.Study designThirty-nine patients requiring 40 bone harvests from the anterior iliac crest for maxillofacial reconstruction were included for study. The ages ranged from 16 to 73 years (mean 48.4 years). All surgeries were performed by a single surgeon. Patients were recovered and discharged home directly from the office.ResultsForty iliac crest harvests were performed in the private practice venue from 2001 to 2004, 23 by motorized trephine and 17 by open corticocancellous block harvest. No peri-operative complications were encountered. Postoperative questionnaires were returned by 32 patients. Thirty patients reported that they would undergo hip surgery in an ambulatory environment again if required.ConclusionHarvesting of bone from the anterior iliac crest is a safe and predictable surgical procedure for the private oral and maxillofacial surgical practice setting in selected cases, resulting in a low complication rate. Patient acceptance of this surgery in the private practice venue is high.