A cancellous bone graft consists of spongy bone usually taken from the anterior or posterior crest of the ilium.A cortical bone graft,consisting of hard,dense bone,is removed from the crest of the ilium or the tibia.Why is the ilium a desirable site for graft harvest?

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The location of the crest of the ilium is subcutaneous,allowing exposure without difficulty.The surgeon makes an incision along the border of the iliac crest,and strips,elevates,and retracts the muscles on the outer table of the ilium.Strips of the iliac crest can be removed with an osteotome or oscillating saw.A cortical window may also be made in the outer table,and the surgeon may use curettes or gouges to remove cancellous bone chips.Autografts are often harvested from the iliac crest,where there is cortical and cancellous bone.

A Cancellous Bone Graft Consists of Spongy Bone Usually Taken