Iliac crest free flap: a reappraisal of indications and donor site complications

Heterotopic ossification – A rare donor site complication after iliac crest free flap

“…Several complications were described: hematoma, infection, chronic pain, permanent hypoesthesia of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, abdominal bulge/hernia and gait dysfunction. 3 Other specific bone related complications have been reported, including contour deformities and anterior-superior iliac spine fractures. 8 As for our knowledge, heterotopic ossification (HO) of the iliac bone after iliac crest bone flap harvesting have never been previously described in the literature.…”

“…Complications are well described in literature and include chronic pain, abdominal hernias, abdominal hip contour, gait disturbance, among others. 2 , 3 …”