Clinical Significance
The iliac crest has a large amount of red bone marrow, and thus it is the site of bone marrow harvests (from both sides) to collect the stem cells used in bone marrow transplantation. The iliac crest is also considered the most ideal donor site for bone grafting when a large quantity of bone is needed. For example, oral surgeons will often use iliac crest bone to fill in large osseous defects of the oral cavity caused from severe periodontal disease, excess bone resorption following tooth loss, trauma, or congenital defects including alveolar clefts. The top of the iliac crests also marks the level of the fourth lumbar vertebral body (L4), above or below which lumbar puncture may be performed.
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