Abstract
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
Highlights
In tibial plateau fractures with intraarticular depression and metaphyseal comminution, bone grafting or the use of a bone substitute may be required
Autogenous bone grafting has been the method of choice to achieve union and fill in the gaps for many years
While bone graft substitutes are costly, autogenous bone grafts are available at low cost and harbor osteoinductive osteopconductive and nonimmunogenic properties
Summary
In tibial plateau fractures with intraarticular depression and metaphyseal comminution, bone grafting or the use of a bone substitute may be required. The aim of this study was to evaluate the complication rate after harvesting bone graft as used for the treatment of tibial plateau fractures. 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. Autologous bone graft remains to be the ‘gold standard’ and the iliac crest to be the most common harvesting site.[1] Malunion, late collapse, non union and pseudarthrosis rates in patient undergoing surgery have reported as high as 7-8 percent.[2,3] Autogenous bone grafting has been the method of choice to achieve union and fill in the gaps for many years. In cases of metaphyseal comminution bone grafts or substitutes are helpful in promoting union
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call