The effect of anterior superior iliac spine preservation on donor site morbidity and function after harvesting a vascularized iliac bone flap.

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) preservation on donor site morbidity and function after harvesting a vascularized iliac bone flap (VIBF).

Methods: Patients who underwent jaws reconstruction with VIBF were divided into a maintaining the anterior superior iliac spine (MASIS) group and a not maintaining the anterior superior iliac spine (NMASIS) group. Pain, tenderness, sensory deficit, gait disturbance, and function of the donor site were evaluated before and after the operation.

Results: Thirty-three patients were included in this study, of which 18 were in the MASIS group. The incidence of sensory deficit in the MASIS group was significantly lower than that in the NMASIS group (50.0% vs. 86.7%, p = 0.010). Pain, tenderness, gait disturbance, and function did not differ statistically between the two groups.

Conclusion: Except for sensory deficit, ASIS preservation has minimal impact on donor site morbidity and function.