Nonvascularized Bone Harvest and Transfer

Nonvascularized autologous bone grafting (NVABG) is a useful technique for the reconstruction of a wide array of bony defects. NVABG can be used alone to augment native bone, to fill in short bony gaps up to 6 cm, and to augment osteotomy sites of vascularized bone flaps. NVABG is a reliable method for reconstruction because of its inherent osteoconductive, osteoinductive, and osteogenic potential. However, identifying appropriate patients for NVABG is integral to overall successful graft take and outcome, as NVABG relies solely on the quality of the recipient site soft tissue and vascularity for nutritional support leading to successful incorporation and union. This chapter will focus on iliac crest NVABG highlighting the harvest technique, intraoperative pearls, and postoperative considerations for patients undergoing reconstruction.