Donor Site Morbidity in Two Different Approaches to Anterior Iliac Crest Bone Harvesting

Abstract

When harvesting a large amount of unicortical corticocancellous bone blocks from the the superolateral site of the iliac crest with a "peel off" technique, morbidity and complication rates do not differ significantly compared with those of the traditional anterior medial approach. Oral rehabilitation with maxillary reconstruction with bone grafts from the iliac crest and endosseous implants significantly improved oral function, facial appearance, and recreation/social activities and resulted in an overall improvement in quality of life in formerly edentulous patients.