Iliac crest graft site reconstruction using Chitra - HABG bone blocks: A Prospective study

Study Design: Prospective study. Objective: To prospectively study the hypothesis that structural reconstruction of iliac crest graft site significantly reduces donor site morbidity. The study also evaluates the efficacy of Chitra hydroxyapatitebioactive glass ceramic composite (Chitra-HABG) as a material for reconstructing the iliac crest. Summary of Background Data: Significant donor site following tricortical iliac crest bone graft harvesting varies from 3% to 61%. Several studies suggest that this morbidity is predominantly due to structural issue and reconstructing the defect effectively reduces morbidity. Methods: Seven patients in whom Chitra HABG was used for filling up the iliac crest defect after graft harvesting were followed up to duration of 1 year. Both clinical and radiologic assessments were done and outcome measured. Results: At the end of one year all seven patients have no pain. Two had full incorporation, at the end of six months. Conclusion: This study validates our hypothesis that donor site morbidity after iliac crest biopsy can be significantly reduced by structural reconstruction. Chitra HABG blocks have satisfactory incorporation rates by the end of one year. As this is an ongoing study the radiologic outcome is expected to improve and to be at par with similar studies.