Hernia through iliac crest defects. A report of four cases.

Herniation of abdominal contents through the donor site in the ilium occurred in 5% of a series of 59 bone grafts. Four patients had this condition at a 7 year follow up, and 2 were repaired with synthetic mesh. Age, gender, obesity and surgical technique are important causative factors. Preventive measures are proposed which have been successful during the past 3 years.