How Is An Iliac Crest Reduction Procedure Done?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested I knowing more about the iliac crest reduction procedure. What is the healing process like for an iliac crest reduction? What are some of the potential risks? What does pricing look like? 

A: In answer to your questions about iliac crest reduction:

1) The maximum width of the iliac crest is due to its convexity where is greatest at its middle third. (see attached) It is this area that can be reduced which is about a 9 to 10cm length segment of 1 cm thickness. Most of the significant muscles that attach to the iliac crest are located more at the anterior and posterior iliac spine areas which are not in the bony area of removal. It is necessary to remove some of the attachments of the tensor fascia lata (TFL) but its muscular portion remains intact as it is located at the anterior iliac spine area.

2) In many ways the recovery is similar to an iliac bone graft harvest with the exception that it is bilateral. Reading about iliac bone graft harvesting recovery will provide good insight. The most difficult part of the recovery is in the discomfort in walking which takes some time to recover.

3) The risks of the surgery are the incision/scar, contour irregularities and chronic pain

4) My assistant Camille will pass along the cost of the surgery to you tomorrow.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana