Repetitive posterior iliac crest autograft harvest resulting in an unstable pelvic fracture and infected non-union: case report and review of the literature

Matthew J Oakley¹ , Wade R Smith¹ , Steven J Morgan¹ , Navid M Ziran¹ and Bruce H Ziran²

¹Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Denver Health Medical Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 777 Bannock Street, Denver, CO 80204, USA

²Department of Orthopedic Trauma, Northeast Ohio Universities College of Medicine, St. Elizabeth Health Center, 1044 Belmont Ave, Youngstown, OH 44501, USA

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Patient Safety in Surgery 2007, 1:6doi:10.1186/1754-9493-1-6


Published:	17 December 2007

Abstract

Fractures of the pelvic ring have been well studied, and the biomechanical relationship between the anterior and posterior elements is an important concept to understand these complex injuries. The vast majority of these injuries are due to trauma. However, in rare circumstances, autogenous bone graft harvesting may lead to an unstable pelvic ring. In this case report, we describe a rare complication in a 70-year old female patient who developed an unstable pelvis and an infected non-union secondary to repeated posterior iliac graft harvest. The orthopaedic surgeon should be aware of this detrimental complication associated with extensive or repeated posterior iliac crest graft harvest.