Donor-Site Complications Following Anterior Iliac Crest Bone Graft for Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures

Introduction: Some distal radius fractures may need bone grafting for bone defect filling. Donor-site morbidity after harvesting iliac crest bone has been described for large grafts. Aim of this study was to evaluate the complications and donor-site morbidity after harvesting a small amount of bone for treatment of distal radius fractures.

Methods: In a retrospective study, patients with acute radius fractures treated in a single center between 2008 and 2012 were included. Clinical evaluation of the complications was done at the last follow-up.

Results: 42 patients have been included in the study (mean age 56.3 years). Follow-up was mean 6.3 years (+/- 1.2). Only few complications were seen, most of them documented post-operative hematoma. Revision was performed in one case (2.4%) due to bleeding. No nerve injuries, fractures, pain, sensory deficits, infections or wound healing disturbances were seen. Use of a drain or hemostatics, the method of wound closure or the pattern of the graft influenced the complication rate.

Discussion: In this study we could show that harvesting of a small amount of iliac crest bone for treatment of complex distal radius fractures is not related to high complication rates. This procedure is safe and has good long term complications.