Bone Lesion Removal with Bone Grafting from the Iliac Crest

Preparation

Qualification for treatment is based on clinical examination, imaging studies, and an individual assessment of the patient’s bone condition.

The procedure may be considered in cases of:

• benign bone lesions requiring surgical removal,
• bone cysts,
• selected benign bone tumours,
• bone defects resulting from trauma,
• bone defects following previous surgical procedures,
• delayed bone healing and nonunion,
• weakened bone structure associated with an increased risk of fracture,
• the need for biological reconstruction following removal of a bone lesion.

Before surgery, each case is assessed individually. The treatment plan depends on the type of lesion, its location, the size of the expected bone defect, bone quality, and the patient’s functional needs.

The choice of reconstruction method always depends on the individual clinical situation.

Convalescence

Recovery after surgery involves healing of both the reconstructed bone and the graft harvest site at the iliac crest.

Depending on the extent of the procedure, recovery may require:

• temporary reduction of weight-bearing on the affected limb,
• limitation of selected activities,
• regular monitoring of the healing process,
• gradual increase in physical loading,
• rehabilitation aimed at restoring function.

The recovery plan is always tailored individually to the patient’s needs.

Following bone graft harvesting, temporary pain, tenderness, or discomfort around the iliac crest may occur. In most cases, these symptoms gradually decrease as healing progresses.

Appropriate pain management and adherence to post-operative recommendations help maintain comfort during the recovery period.

Precautions

Not every bone defect requires an autologous bone graft.

In some situations, other materials supporting bone reconstruction, such as bone substitutes or osteoinductive materials, may be used.

Autologous bone grafting is generally preferred when:

• biological reconstruction of a larger bone defect is required,
• optimal conditions for bone regeneration are needed,
• long-term durability and quality of reconstruction are particularly important.

Treatment outcomes depend on the type of lesion, the size of the defect, bone quality, healing potential, and the patient’s overall condition.

The primary goal of treatment is not only to remove the bone lesion, but also to reconstruct the bone in a way that restores its strength, stability, and proper function.

Benefits

The use of the patient’s own bone tissue creates natural conditions for regeneration and increases the likelihood of durable reconstruction of the treated area.

Potential benefits of autologous bone grafting include:

• excellent biological compatibility,
• strong regenerative potential,
• support for new bone formation,
• effective integration with the patient’s own bone,
• minimal risk of reactions associated with foreign materials,
• improved bone stability,
• increased strength of the treated area,
• favourable conditions for successful bone healing.

In appropriately selected cases, patients may experience reduced pain, improved function of the affected limb or anatomical region, and restoration of bone continuity and stability.

The patient’s own bone tissue is highly valuable in reconstructive orthopaedics because it not only fills the defect, but also actively supports healing, remodelling, and integration with surrounding bone.

What does removal of a bone lesion with autologous bone grafting involve?

The procedure involves removing abnormal bone tissue and reconstructing the resulting defect using the patient’s own bone tissue.

The bone graft is usually harvested from the iliac crest and used to fill and rebuild the bone defect created after lesion removal.

Why is bone reconstruction sometimes necessary after lesion removal?

When a bone lesion is removed, it may leave a defect that weakens the bone structure.

Reconstruction may be necessary to restore bone continuity, improve stability, reduce the risk of fracture, and create better conditions for proper healing.

What is an autologous bone graft?

An autologous bone graft is bone tissue harvested from the patient’s own body.

Because it comes from the patient, it is highly biologically compatible and can actively support new bone formation, healing, and integration with surrounding bone.

Where is the bone graft taken from?

In this procedure, the bone graft is harvested from the iliac crest, which is part of the pelvic bone.

The iliac crest is commonly used as a donor site because it provides bone tissue suitable for reconstruction.

Why is the patient’s own bone used?

The patient’s own bone tissue is considered one of the most valuable options for bone reconstruction.

It contains living cells and natural biological factors that support bone regeneration, graft integration, and durable reconstruction.

What are the indications for this procedure?

The procedure may be considered in cases of benign bone lesions, bone cysts, selected benign bone tumours, post-traumatic bone defects, defects after previous surgery, delayed bone healing, nonunion, weakened bone structure, or when biological reconstruction is needed after lesion removal.

Does every bone defect require a bone graft?

No. Not every bone defect requires an autologous bone graft.

In some cases, bone substitutes or other materials supporting bone reconstruction may be used. The choice depends on the size and location of the defect, bone quality, and the individual clinical situation.

What results can be expected?

The goal is to remove the lesion and reconstruct the bone structure in a way that promotes healing and restores function.

In appropriately selected cases, treatment may improve bone stability, increase the strength of the treated area, reduce pain, improve function, and support successful bone healing.

Can the graft harvest site cause discomfort?

Yes. Temporary pain, tenderness, or discomfort around the iliac crest may occur after bone graft harvesting.

In most cases, these symptoms gradually decrease as healing progresses. Appropriate pain management helps maintain comfort during recovery.

What does recovery after surgery involve?

Recovery involves healing of both the reconstructed bone and the graft harvest site.

Depending on the procedure, patients may need temporary reduction of weight-bearing, limitation of selected activities, regular monitoring, gradual increase in loading, and rehabilitation aimed at restoring function.

Why is the patient’s own bone valuable in reconstruction?

Autologous bone grafts contain living cells and natural components that support bone regeneration.

They can promote new bone formation, accelerate graft integration with surrounding bone, improve healing conditions, and increase the likelihood of durable reconstruction.

How is the procedure planned?

Each procedure is planned individually.

The treatment plan takes into account the type of bone lesion, the location and size of the defect, bone quality, the patient’s functional needs, and the most appropriate method of reconstruction.