Dr. Schneiderhan GmbH and ISAR Klinikum Munich, Germany AND Department of Health Care Management and Clinical Research, Collegium Humanum Warsaw Management University Warsaw, Poland
Background and Aims: Iliac crest bone grafting is a cornerstone of maxillofacial reconstruction. This study provides a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the global research trends, key contributors, and emerging themes in this field over the past three decades. Methods: A systematic search of the Web of Science database was conducted for publications from 1990 to 2024. Data on publications, citations, authors, institutions, and keywords were extracted and analyzed using the Bibliometrix R package and VOSviewer for science mapping. Results: The analysis included 2,512 publications. The field grew steadily at 2.35% annually. The most influential journals were the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Leading authors included Urken, ML and Raghoebar, GM, while Mount Sinai Medical Center and UCLA were top institutions. The USA, Germany, and China dominated research output. Keyword analysis identified core themes like "iliac crest," "dental implants," and "mandibular reconstruction," with emerging trends in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Conclusion: Research on iliac crest grafts for maxillofacial reconstruction is robust and evolving. The field is increasingly globalized and collaborative, with a clear shift towards innovative techniques like 3D printing and stem cell applications to improve patient outcomes and reduce morbidity. This analysis maps the intellectual landscape to guide future research directions.
Bobinskas AM, Subramaniam SS, Vujcich NJ, Nastri AL. Bilateral Distraction Osteogenesis of Vascularized Iliac Crest Free Flaps Used in Mandibular Reconstruction. Prs-Glob Open. 2016;4(3):4. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000000623 PMid:27257565 PMCid:PMC4874279
Brandenburg LS, Voss PJ, Mischkowsky T, Kühle J, Ermer MA, Weingart JV, et al. Donor site morbidity after computer assisted surgical reconstruction of the mandible using deep circumflex iliac artery grafts: a cross sectional study. BMC Surg. 2023; 23 (1):12. doi:10.1186/s12893-022-01899-z PMid:36624485 PMCid:PMC9830896
Cariati P, Farhat MC, Dyalram D, Ferrari S, Lubek JE. The deep circumflex iliac artery free flap in maxillofacial reconstruction: a comparative institutional analysis. Oral Maxillofac Surg-Heidelb. 2021;25(3):395-400. doi:10.1007/s10006-020-00930-y PMid:33411056
Chen HM, Kang YF, Lv XM, Shan XF, Cai ZG. Bone resorption after maxillary reconstruction with the vascularized free iliac flap. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2022;52(4):430-5. doi:10.1016/j.ijom.2022.08.010 PMid:36008218
Dalband M, Badkoobeh A, Alam M, Motie P, Tabrizi R. Comparison of the Outcome of Free Iliac Bone Graft and Vascularized Iliac Bone Graft in Reconstruction of Mandibular Defects: A Systematic Review. J Maxillofac Oral Surg. 2024;23 (6): 1371-8. doi:10.1007/s12663-023-02101-4 PMid:39618464
Davies JC, Chan HHL, Bernstein JM, Goldstein DP, Irish JC, Gilbert RW. Orbital Floor Reconstruction: 3-Dimensional Analysis Shows Comparable Morphology of Scapular and Iliac Crest Bone Grafts. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2018;76(9):2011-8. doi:10.1016/j.joms.2018.03.034 PMid:29679587
Ferretti C, Premviyasa V, Reyneke J, Ripamonti U. A mass guide for the harvest of cortico-cancellous bone from the posterior iliac crest for mandibular reconstruction. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2019;57(7):627-31. doi:10.1016/j.bjoms.2019.04.012 PMid:31208786
Garajei A, Kheradmand AA, Miri SR, Emami A. A retrospective study on mandibular reconstruction using iliac crest free flap. Ann Med Surg. 2021;66:6. doi:10.1016/j.amsu.2021.102354 PMid:34026108 PMCid:PMC8121997
Kademani D, Keller E. Iliac crest grafting for mandibular reconstruction. Atlas Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am. 2006;14(2):161-70. doi:10.1016/j.cxom.2006.05.005 PMid:16959603
Fernández-Olarte H, Gómez-Delgado A, López JP, Orjuela MP. A Novel Method for Lengthening Iliac Crest Grafts for Mandibular Reconstruction. J Craniofac Surg. 2022;33(7):2252-5. doi:10.1097/SCS.0000000000008752 PMid:35864572
Hu YJ, Cao R, Wang ZH, Hong WS, Zheng CY. Reconstruction of Deep Circumflex Iliac Artery Free Flap for Multiple Recurrent Ameloblastoma in Mandible. J Craniofac Surg. 2019; 30(2):557-62. doi:10.1097/SCS.0000000000005166 PMid:30789382
Isch EL, Vaile JR, Rosado JA, Caterson EJ. Streamlining Iliac Bone Harvest for Maxillary Reconstruction With Novel Use of Arthrex Osteochondral Autograft Transfer System. J Craniofac Surg. 2024;35(6):e575-e7. doi:10.1097/SCS.0000000000010399 PMid:38836797
Kanno T, Karino M, Yoshino A, Koike T, Tatsumi H, Tsunematsu K, et al. Computer-assisted Secondary Reconstruction of Mandibular Continuity Defects Using Non-Vascularized Iliac Crest Bone Graft Following Oral Cancer Resection. J Hard Tissue Biol. 2017;26(4):386-92. doi:10.2485/jhtb.26.386
Kheradmand AA, Garajei A, Kiafar M, Nikparto N. Assessing the Anatomical Variability of Deep Circumflex Iliac Vessels in Harvesting of Iliac Crest-Free Flap for Mandibular Reconstruction. J Craniofac Surg. 2016;27(3):E320-E3. doi:10.1097/SCS.0000000000002576 PMid:27100644
Liu Q, Shao Z, Shang Z. Mandibular reconstruction using the deep circumflex iliac artery free flap: effect of the length of bone harvested on donor site morbidity. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2019;57(8):778-81. doi:10.1016/j.bjoms.2019.07.011 PMid:31350030
Marttila E, Salli M, Mesimaki K, Kainulainen S, Snall J, Wilkman T. The combined anterolateral thigh-Partial iliac crest minihybrid free flap for mandibular reconstruction. Microsurgery. 2022;42(4):312-8. doi:10.1002/micr.30854 PMid:34967042
Morais J, Vaz R, Baptista D, Gaspar C, Zenha H, Costa H. Maxillary reconstruction with free iliac crest flap in a pediatric patient: long-term results. Eur J Plast Surg. 2022;45(2):345-9. doi:10.1007/s00238-021-01833-1
Morgado B, Poleri F, Gaspar C, Costa H, Zenha H. Stylomandibular False Ankylosis: An Unusual Complication After Vascularized Iliac Crest Flap for Mandibular Reconstruction. Cureus J Med Sci. 2023;15(4):5. doi:10.7759/cureus.37615 PMid:37197123 PMCid:PMC10184747
Omara M, Ahmed M, Shawky M, Ali S. Alveolar Cleft Reconstruction Using Double Iliac Corticocancellous Bone Plates Grafting Technique in Mixed Dentition Phase. Cleft Palate-Craniofac J. 2022;59(10):1222-7. doi:10.1177/10556656211042160 PMid:34558331
Osmanov B, Chepurnyi Y, Snall J, Kopchak A. Delayed reconstruction of the combat-related mandibular defects with non-vascularized iliac crest grafts: Defining the optimal conditions for a positive outcome in the retrospective study. J Stomatol Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2024;125(6):6. doi:10.1016/j.jormas.2024.101794 PMid:38331217
Sakata Y, Nishioka T, Asamura S. Application of Free Iliac Bone Flap Based on Superficial Circumflex Iliac Perforators in Mandibular Reconstruction. J Craniofac Surg. 2022;33(3):E253-E5. doi:10.1097/SCS.0000000000008069 PMid:34374676
Shabaan AA, Salahuddin A, Aboulmagd I, Ragab R, Salah KA, Rashid A, et al. Alveolar cleft reconstruction using bone marrow aspirate concentrate and iliac cancellous bone: A 12-month randomized clinical study. Clin Oral Investig. 2023;27(11):6667-75. doi:10.1007/s00784-023-05276-9 PMid:37794139 PMCid:PMC10630224
Tanir KO, Avag C, Tosun E, Akkocaoglu M. Evaluation of the quality of life and the satisfaction level after reconstruction with anterior iliac crest graft and implant-supported fixed prosthesis treatment. J Prosthodont. 2023;32(9):801-6. doi:10.1111/jopr.13660 Mid:36753002
Wang YF, Wang XM, Bai JQ, Guo ST, Shang ZJ, Shao Z. Comparison of reconstruction plates and miniplates in mandibular defect reconstruction with free iliac flap. Clin Oral Investig. 2024;28(11):9. doi:10.1007/s00784-024-05985-9 PMid:39387950
Akhavan-Sigari, R. (2025). Global Research Trends in Iliac Crest Grafts for Maxillofacial Reconstruction: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis. Journal of Cancer Research and Pharmacology, 1(1), 12-26. https://doi.org/10.22034/jcrph.2025.229250
MLA
Akhavan-Sigari, R. "Global Research Trends in Iliac Crest Grafts for Maxillofacial Reconstruction: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis", Journal of Cancer Research and Pharmacology, 1, 1, 2025, 12-26. doi: 10.22034/jcrph.2025.229250
HARVARD
Akhavan-Sigari R. (2025). 'Global Research Trends in Iliac Crest Grafts for Maxillofacial Reconstruction: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis', Journal of Cancer Research and Pharmacology, 1(1), pp. 12-26. doi: 10.22034/jcrph.2025.229250
CHICAGO
R. Akhavan-Sigari, "Global Research Trends in Iliac Crest Grafts for Maxillofacial Reconstruction: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis," Journal of Cancer Research and Pharmacology, 1 1 (2025): 12-26, doi: 10.22034/jcrph.2025.229250
VANCOUVER
Akhavan-Sigari R. Global Research Trends in Iliac Crest Grafts for Maxillofacial Reconstruction: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis. J Cancer Res Pharmacol. 2025;1(1):12-26. doi: 10.22034/jcrph.2025.229250