What is the maximum amount of bone that can be harvested from the posterior iliac crest?

Harvesting bone from the posterior iliac crest is a common procedure in oral and maxillofacial surgery, particularly for grafting purposes. The amount of bone that can be harvested depends on several factors, including the patient's anatomy and the surgical technique employed.

The maximum volume that is typically considered safe and feasible to harvest from the posterior iliac crest is around 100 cc. This amount is aligned with reported data in the literature, making it a practical standard for both surgeons and patients. Exceeding this volume can increase the risk of complications, such as hematoma formation, infection, and damage to surrounding structures.

Options that suggest greater amounts, such as 125 cc or 150 cc, exceed the generally accepted limits and pose a higher risk of complications, while those suggesting lower amounts, such as 75 cc, may underestimate the potential for harvesting bone effectively in most patients. Hence, the choice of 100 cc reflects a balance between sufficient grafting material and minimizing patient risk.