Incisional Hernia Secondary to Iliac Crest Bone Graft: A Rare Case Report and Review of Literature

Abstract

Introduction: Autologous bone graft is a commonly used procedure in orthopaedic surgery. Autologous bone is used to promote bone healing in fractures and to provide structural support for reconstructive surgery. Iliac bone is one of the common sites for harvesting autologous bone graft. Hernia through an iliac crest defect following bone graft harvesting is a major but very rare complication.

Case report: An 80-year-old female patient operated for left subtrochanteric femur fracture with dynamic condylar screw and iliac bone graft. Ten months after the surgery, the patient came with the complaints of reducible swelling in the left flank over the incision site. On the basis of clinical examination and investigations, the swelling was diagnosed as an incisional hernia from the defect in the iliac bone graft site.

Conclusion: Hernia through an iliac crest defect following bone graft harvesting is very rare but a major complication. Attention should be paid while harvesting bone graft to avoid this complication.

Keywords: Complications; iliac crest graft; incisional hernia.